subject: The Story Behind The Barong Dance Of Bali [print this page] Bali, the famed island of the gods, is home to some of the best beaches in the world that will give you that feeling of total relaxation and adventure, whichever you like more. With the amazing scenery it has, beautiful and luxurious villas in Bali, the warm and friendly people, the fun activities that you can do under the sun or in the lively nightlife, you will surely have something interesting to see in the island. But do not think you have the best by just doing these common things as Bali is more to offer.
Its culture and tradition is so unique that people who witness it will be entertained and impressed and would want to come back for more. One of the most beautiful of these is the Bali Barong Dance which is perhaps the most well-known of all Bali dances.
Just like most other traditional Bali dances, the Bali Barong Dance also narrates the story of the fight between good and evil. Such performance is the fusion of myth and history to come up with a reality.
Here are some facts about the Barong Dance of Bali.
The story is about the mother of Erlangga, Rangda. Erlangga was the King of Bali whose father condemned Rangda for practicing black magic. By the time she became a widow, she called on all the evil spirits in the jungle which included all leaks and demons and told them to go after Erlangga, her son. During the fight, Erlangga had to seek the help of Barong and he came with the soldiers of the former to help in the fight. But with the strong powers of Rangda, the soldiers of Erlangga were cast a spell by Ranga which made them kill themselves. But Barong also casted a counter-spell which protected the soldiers from the sharpness of their keris. In the end, Rangda ran away and Barong won the battle.
When the dance is being performed, it is opened by the appearance of two playful monkeys which are teasing Barong in a peaceful environment. This is followed by the Keris Dance portraying the soldiers with their Keris. And when Rangda appears and causes havoc, the soldier dancers are cast a spell and they stab themselves with their keris. By this time, Barong and the priest also cast a spell that protects the soliders from getting hurt by their keris.
As the dance progresses, Rangda and Barong engage in a fight, representing good and evil, and then Barong triumphs and Rangda runs away.
The Barong Dance of Bali can be seen in Gianyar Regency, including Pura Dalem Ubud. It is also staged in art galleries in Village Batubulan.
The Barong has five traditional variations which include the Barong Ket, or Lion Barong; Barong Landung, or giant Barong; Barong Celeng, or boar Barong; Barong Macan, or tiger Barong; and Barong Naga, or dragon or serpent Barong.
If you want to witness this unique traditional dance of Bali, just come to the island and stay in any of the Bali villas rent or the rental villas in Bali.
