Barong Dance of Bali: History, Meaning of Movements, Floor Patterns, and Its Uniqueness
As one of the most popular tourist destinations, Bali is not only rich in tourist attractions.
However, the Island of the Gods also has strong traditional elements, which can attract more tourists.
One of them is through the art of Bali's Barong Dance, which has its own meaning behind it.
History of Barong Dance
The history of Barong Dance from Bali is believed to be a development from the Barong Ponorogo Dance. King Airlangga, who tried to save himself and then fled to Bali, is someone who is suspected of bringing that dance.
Subsequently, on the Island of the Gods, Reog Ponorogo or Barong Ponorogo transformed according to the stories of the local community.
The evidence that the origin of Barong Dance in Bali is Barong Ponorogo can be seen in its form. Where the Barong appears without using a crown or peacock headdress.
In addition, the Rangda mask used also shows influences from the Bujang Ganong Mask.
The name Barong comes from the Sanskrit word bahruang which means to be a protector of goodness with its supernatural powers. Then, after transforming and adjusting to the stories of the Balinese people, this Barong Dance is widely used in religious activities.
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Meaning of Barong Dance
The Barong Dance from Bali has its own meaning behind it that is rich in philosophy. On the Island of the Gods, the term Rwa Bhineda is well known, which is the philosophy of this dance.
Simply put, Barong and Rangda are likened to two sides of a coin. Where both actually need each other.
However, Barong and Rangda never meet in the dance. Although they face each other as if in battle, there is never an ending with defeat or victory.
Nevertheless, this dance actually tells the story of the struggle between evil and goodness.
In the Barong Dance of Bali, Barong is depicted as a good figure manifested as a wild creature with four legs and controlled by two people. Meanwhile, Rangda is depicted as an evil figure in the form of a woman with two sharp fangs in her mouth, also performed by two people.
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Uniqueness of Barong Dance
The floor pattern used in the Barong Dance from Bali is a vertical floor pattern. Its movements are energetic and have various rare dance forms.
Generally, as mentioned, the Barong Dance is performed by two dancers who control the Barong, and one person becomes Rangda. Usually, there will be a total of 15 dancers.
For the Balinese people, this dance is very sacred and holds a high position equivalent to the power of Hindu gods. In the past, this dance was used in ritual events to ward off diseases caused by leak or evil spirits.
With the presence of Barong Dance from Bali, it can become one of the local tourism magnets that attracts various tourists.
As one of the traditions that is a cultural heritage, Barong Dance must indeed be preserved. Its uniqueness, meaning, and interesting storyline can certainly amaze anyone who sees it.
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