The Kecak dance is one of the most famous and popular dance performances in Bali. The dance takes place at dusk or after sunset. It is one of the few classical dance performances in Bali that does without a gamelan orchestra. Instead, it is accompanied by a male choir. The origins and background of the Kecak dance, as well as information on where you can see the dance, are presented in the following article.
Where can you see the Kecak dance?
The Kecak dance is performed in many places in Bali. The dances often take place near temples, creating a mystical atmosphere. The following are some of the places
Uluwatu Temple
The most famous venue for the Kecak dance is the grounds of the Uluwatu Temple. High up on the cliffs, a performance takes place every evening under very special conditions. The dance performance is accompanied by a picturesque sunset, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere.
Tanah Lot
You can also experience the Kecak Dance at the Temple Tanah Lot. As in Uluwatu, you also have a view of the sunset at the Tanah Lot temple grounds. The performance there is not yet as popular as the one at the Uluwatu Temple, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Ubud
Of course, you can also see the Kecak dance in Bali’s cultural centre, Ubud. We recommend the performances at the temple Pura Dalem. These do not take place daily, but they do take place several times a week. It is best to find out about the next performances when you arrive.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
On the grounds of the GWK Cultural Park, Kecak also takes place. The dance performances are held in the amphitheatre right next to the entrance area of the cultural park. You can only enter the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park with the appropriate tickets. There is no additional entrance fee for the Kecak dance.
Origins of the Kecak Dance
Even though the dance is based on an ancient history (see above), the Kecak performances as they take place today are by no means historical. Although Kecak was originally a traditional trance ritual, the current version of Kecak was only developed in the recent past.
It is said that the German painter and musician Walter Spies, who lived in Bali, adapted the Kecak ritual. The idea was to perform the dance for a tourist audience – as is the case today. Spies worked with the Indonesian dancer Wayan Limbak to achieve this. Limbak organised international tours in which the Kecak was performed by Balinese groups.
It is believed that the dance in its present form was first performed in the 1930s. Shortly afterwards, the dance could already be seen in the German production of the silent film ‘Die Insel der Dämonen’ (The Island of Demons).
What is the Kecak dance about?
The Kecak dance is based on a story from the Indian epic Ramayana. This tells the story of the divine prince Rama. Rama is actually intended to be his father’s successor to the throne, but is then banished from the kingdom by an insidious plan. He then goes to a forest called Dandaka, accompanied by his wife Sita and his younger brother Laksamana.
After some time there, they are discovered by the demon king Rahwana, who has designs on the beautiful Sita. With the help of a trick, he manages to kidnap Sita: Rahwana makes a golden stag appear using a magical powder. He uses it to lure Rama and Laksamana away, leaving Sita alone for a short time. Rahwana’s plan works and he takes advantage of the situation to kidnap Sita and take her to his palace.
When Rama and Lakshmana learn of what has happened, they plan to free Sita. Rama sends Lakshmana to his friend Sugriwa, who is king of the monkey kingdom. Sugriwa in turn instructs his commander, the white monkey Hanoman, to look for Sita in Rahwana’s palace.
In this attempt, Hanuman is captured by Rahwana’s troops. They plan to burn him alive and build a circle of fire around him. However, Hanuman does not burn, but breaks out unharmed to burn Rahwana’s palace. A great battle ensues between the two forces.
In the final battle, Rama, with the help of Hanoman and his troops of monkeys, defeats the evil King Rahwana. Rama manages to free his wife Sita unharmed.
Conclusion: Is the Kecak Dance worth seeing?
If you are travelling to Bali and are interested in cultural programmes, you should definitely watch one of the classical Balinese dances. One of them is the Kecak Dance. The performances as they take place today are relatively young and were only developed in the 1930s. The story told by the Kecak dance, however, is very old. The performances of the dance are extraordinary and should definitely be watched if you get the chance.
