Birds are animals which inspired many choreographers to produced beautiful Balinese contemporary dances. Their energetic and sometimes elegant movements combined with their beautiful feathers are never-ending source of inspiration and imagination for Balinese choreographers to depict in a dance or two. Here are some well known dances which draw their inspiration from birds.

Manuk Rawa dance, from flickr.com/photos/ceklek/

Manuk Rawa
Manuk Rawa dance was the first contemporary dance which based on the movements of the bird to make a great impression on Balinese. Manuk Rawa was created by I wayan Dibia in 1981 as a part of Mahabharata Sendratari (Balinese dance-drama) entitled Bale Gala-gala (house of wax). The dance depicts the life of a flock of waterbirds (manuk rawa) who play freely and peacefully in a pond deep inside the forest. In this dance the traditional movements of Balinese dance is combined with a dance from West Java which depicts the movement of a peacock.

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Animals, their behaviors and movements are the source of inspiration for many Balinese choreographers to create new Balinese contemporary dances and one of the most successful contemporary dances that depict the behavior and movement of animal is the Godogan (frog) dance. This contemporary dance is the brainchild of dance maestro I Made Jimat, which was established in 1967. This dance depicts the movements and behavior of a frog, and reenacts a Balinese version of the familiar fairy tale about the princess who marries a frog.

flickr.com/photos/ladyexpat/

The Story of the Godogan dance can be summed up as follow, a prince of Jenggala who was fond of catching dragonflies disappeared in a dense forest near an erupting volcano. A few years later a frog emerged which was believed to be the reincarnation of the lost prince. One day the prince-frog encountered a beautiful princess of Daha; he fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. Unable to fulfill this dream the frog committed itself to ascetic life, but by the blessing of the great God Wisnu, he was turned back into a handsome young man, the lost prince of Jenggala.

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Summer Institute Bali, Indonesia 2008Three week program: June 30 - July 19, 2008
Application deadline: January 25, 2008 or until enrollment fulfilled
www.cudamani.org

With the success of the 2007 summer program, the internationally acclaimed Çudamani ensemble will once again invite a select group of 35 individuals from around the world to participate in a rigorous study of Balinese Music and Dance in Pengosekan. In addition to intensive classes with master artists/teachers, the program will include: visits to temple ceremonies and sacred sites; observations of a wide range of performances including Çudamani rehearsals; and daily encounters with the local artists and the community. Dates have been selected so that participants will have the opportunity to see ceremonial activities of this village, which is well known for its community of painters, weavers, and musicians. This program is a rare opportunity for participants to be a part of one of the most vibrant and creative cultures in the world.

Fees: 3 weeks for $1,950. Includes instruction, shared housing, breakfast, lunch, and excursions. Non-refundable application fee of $25.

More info at www.cudamani.org Photos of 2007 Summer Institute at http://jorgevismara.net/bali/2007/.

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Hidden among the tress of the rain forest, and located at heights of more than 1,200 altitude. A view of two beautiful lakes exerts a magical attraction.

The Kalaspa Health Retreat offers a new experience of spectacular North Bali natural grandeur: six private villas and two family villas, crafted with typical Balinese design, facing the mountainous rain forest and amazing Singaraja scenery.

Enjoyment of life in Bali, for many years to come.

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It is rather difficult to trace the origin of Janger. No place in Bali admits to having been responsible for the first janger. The north Bali says it came from south, the south attributed to north. If Bali makes Lombok responsible, Lombok says it learnt from Bali. Some expert said that the janger is derived from Sanghyang dance. The female and male choirs were taken away from Sanghyang Dedari and formed new composition. Some said that janger originated from the song of girls, who picked coffee beans from the trees in North Bali. When they were sitting together during their break in the work, they began to sing together, joined by a few boys and it developed into janger. Other said it was the Balinese answer for Sumatran Rampak Sembilan dance.

Janger dance performance on The Annual Bali Arts Festival 1996

The popularity of this art performance reached its peak in 1960s, when nearly every village and every school in Bali has its own janger group. In that time becoming a successful janger dancer was the dream of every youth. They hummed the janger song all day long, accompanying all their activities.

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There are lot of dances and drama performances that you can enjoy in Bali, if you just know where and when they are staged. The best way to find a free traditional dance or drama performance is to find a calendar of cultural event. There is always a performance of traditional dance or drama in the anniversary of a big temple. So all you have to do is check a calendar of event, go to a temple at the date of the temple anniversary, and wait for the show.

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