Barong and kriss dance
Barong and Kriss dance is daily cultural dance performance in Bali Island . Usually perform at 9 : 30 am to 10 : 30 am in various stage around Denpasar . The theatrical Balinese dance is telling the story of never ending fight between good and evil . Barong is a form of good spirit , a protector who will always be our side to protect us from evil spirits . However our life is a part of good and evil itself . A never ending fight of good and evil is a real story of our life that perform on that spectacular show .
Barong form appear behind the trance peoples and protect them from their own sharp weapon
Barong in our language coming from word bar – u – ang , in our writing the letter u and a pronounce o . Baruang is a bear in our language , name of Barong is to identify the form of this creature in the Balinese Hindu mythology . A lion shape or also look like bear animal with scary long fangs on his mouth and long hairs on his body . This Barong usually perform by two man dancers .
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In another side there’s an evil character which is call Rangda , a very scary woman form with long white hair and scary face . Rangda from Hindu Mythology is quin of evil , who will always trying to destroy the peace with his magic power .
With Marcy T House during her visit to Bali island . taking picture before the Barong and Kriss dance start
The meaning of scary Rangda Form
- Long tongue into the stomach as a symbol of hunger that always wants to kill and prey .
- Red color tongue is a symbol of fire who will always burn and give no mercy
- Glower eyes is a symbol of anger , cruelty , ruthless and selfies and believes that he is the strongest one .
- Fangs is a symbol of animal nature and full cruelty
- A fire symbol on her head is a symbol of the supranational powers that also blessed by the creator .
The form of Rangda , the quin of evil with her long nails . Long white hair and scary face
Barong and Kriss dance performance is a very spectacular Balinese theatrical dance accompany by Balinese Gamelan instrument . All the dance with colorful and beautiful costumes and every form has its unique character . In the middle of the story you will see two beautiful girls with Balinese costumes perform a beautiful dance . At the end of the dance is the high point of the story where all the kingdom troops are in trance . The are stab himself with his own weapon but with help of Barong supranatural powers make the troops are immortal . The knife can’t cut their skin or heart them .
The ticket of Barong and Kriss dance is 100.000 rupiah / person and you may organize with us , Bali Private Driver . This performance usually as the first stop of the tour program and also suitable for some tour itinerary direction .
Best place to watch Barong and Kriss Dance :
- Suwung , West Denpasar
- Waribang stage Tohpati , East Denpasar
- Jambe Stage , Batubulan
- Puseh Temple Stage , Batubulan
- Kesiman Stage , Denpasar
Barong and Kriss dance looks like such a spectacular performance! So exotic 🙂 I’ve never been to Bali. but all my friends who have been had an amazing time there!
This is cool.. love the ethnic costumes, and the dancers look so graceful. Must be a treat to watch the dances.
Oh, this brings back so many memories from our Bali trip in 2013. We took this tour that took us to one Barong and Kriss dance performance. It was beautiful, thanks for sharing this. 🙂
Wonderful. Looks like a very energetic dance form.
Indonesia has held her traditions and culture very well. It’s impressive.
I love different cultures, photos are amazing, Bali is amazing place with its own rich culture, thanks for sharing with us.
wow! this is something new that I have heard about Bali! I’m visiting Bali very soon and this post helped me save a must have local experience
Really amazing culture.The outfit including the Barong and Kriss dance are awesome.This is one of the places that worth to visit.
The classic story line of good vs evil, but told in such a beautiful way! I love all of the costumes, especially the women’s .. so colorful and pretty! How I’d love to see this one day. x
These pictures are beautiful! I love the beautiful depiction that it appears they give with their story line. The costumes are fascinating!
Lovely pictures! Bali is on top of my bucket list. These ethnic dances seem like a treat to the eyes. Can’t wait to visit!
This is so beautiful! I actually have a friend who went to Indonesia to study their culture for a year. She learned the traditional Balinese dance and showed me photos and videos of it.
Wow what an incredible dance. Can;t wait to see it.
I always find traditional dances rather beautiful to watch and I am pleased that you gave us a symbolic insight into what the dance means. So beautiful
When I visit Indonesia sometime, I would love to come to Bali to see this!
How cool is saving these stories through dance and performance?
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nice post. It is said that if Rangda’s spell is too strong, somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. Is it true?
What a beautiful form of dance, reminds me of another dance form from India called Yakshagana. These dancer are so graceful.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Indonesia has a very rich culture and colorful tradition. I hope to witness those in person one day. I appreciate how they put importance on their heritage.