The Kecak Dance Of Exotic Bali
One of the fascinating holidays that I ever had was in the Island of Bali, in Indonesia. If I were asked for a reason that made it outstanding, I would be searching for the answer. It think it is the natural blends of the scenic beauties of the island, the rich cultural heritage and the friendly people that had make the different.
On the night of our arrival, we decided to visit the famous of the Bali dance, the Kecak Fire Dance. The dance was at sunset and on the beach.
On the way, we stopped at an old Hindu temple, a temple full of monkeys. The guide told us that the temple was built in memory of Hanuman, the monkey king, that fought with Rama against the evils enemy. Tourists were reminded to take a good care of their belongings especially the sunglass and handbags. The moneys were fond of grabbing the sunglass and actually wore them and run off to the roof top. There is no way you were going to get it back from him.
When we arrived at the dance venue, the sun was setting. We paid off the entrance fees in Rupees and sat on the terrace around the dance floor. The surrounding was dark and the whole area was only lit by the burning bonfire. We were reminded to respect the local customs, as the dance was part of the religious believe of the Balinese. The deities and customs are still believed and practiced by the local Hindus.
There was no life music. The stunning voice of the dancers was the musical background for the dancers to dance in trance. Over 50 bare-chested male dancers are swaying their body and hands uttering cak-cak-cak, imitating the sound of monkeys of Hanuman, the friendly monkey king and his troops that helped Rama. The chanting sound of Cak-cak-cak gave the dance its name, the Kecak dance.
The dance retold there story of the epic. Rama had to leave Sita alone and out of his fear for her safety, he had casted his spell to guard Sita. However the evil Rahwana tricked Sita with his golden deer and abducted her to his Island of Langka. Then the war began, and with the help of the monkey king, Hanuman, Rama defeated his enemy and rescued his wife.
The story was full with excitements of magic and wizards, translated into the movements of the dance. Only those who know were able to read and understand them.
The Kecak dance is a must for visitors to Bali. It part of the unique Bali culture which is rare to find in todays world.