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Kecak Dance

Traditional spiritual dance in Bali Island, It’s one of the most famous Balinese Dances originated in the
1930, performed by a circle of primarily 100 or more men performers, wearing checked cloth
around their waists. The stunning voice of the dancers in musical rhythm is used as a background
for them to dance of the spirits in the ritual Sanghyang trance ceremony. They don't sit still, they wave
their arms to simulate fire and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire. The
sound of cak-cak-cak gives the exotic and dynamic ambiance. Because of that chanting noise then
the dance is named Kecak.

The dance is played in five acts, it taken from the Hindu epic. It’s the story of Prince Rama of Ayodhia
to rescue of Princess Shinta his wife. King Rahwana of Alengka ordered his Prime Minister Marica,
to transform himself into a golden deer, with using his trick, King Rahwana succeeded in kidnapping
Princess Shinta, and brought her to his kingdom, Alengka Pura. Prince Rama and Prince
Laksamana his brother defeat the evil King Rahwana. Jatayu, a huge eagle, friend of Prince Rama
tried to recapture Princess Shinta with all his might but King Rahwana was too powerful and it was
defeated. Also with help of Hanoman the white monkey, succeeded to meet Princess Shinta in the
garden of Alengka's. Hanoman the white monkey destroyed the garden. A great battle occurred
between Prince Rama and King Rahwana. End with Prince Rama’s victory. Finally, Princes Shinta
met Prince Rama and they returned to Ayodhia

In the 1930s Wayan Limbak worked with German painter Walter Spies to create the Kecak from
movements and themes in the traditional sanghyang exorcism ritual and the portions of the
Ramayana. This collaboration between artists worked to create adance that was both authentic to
Balinese traditions but also palatable to Western tourist's narrow tastes at the time. Wayan Limbak
popularized the dance by traveling throughout the world with Balinese performance groups. These
travels have helped to make the Kecak famous throughout the world.

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