Balinese Dances Today Part 2
Sunday, May 11th, 2008 by Rucina BelingerOFFERING DANCES: Pendet, Penyembrama, Gabor, Puspanjali, Sekar Jagat All of these are dances of welcome, originating in an offering to the gods,welcoming them as they descend into the shrines prepared for them by the members of the temple. Since the l960s, this dance has been secularized and is now performed to welcome more human audiences. The dancers will often mimic praying with flowers and throw out flower petals to the audience as a salutation.

Baris: the warrior dance is the first dance a young boy usually learns. Extremely demanding in its execution, the dancer must raise his shoulders and elbows high up and keep the energy going strong for a full fifteen minutes. This dance is done in three parts, all of which show off the prowess of a young warrior. He scouts out the space, checking for enemies and his quick steps with his out turned legs display his strength and agility. This is a semi-improvised dance and the musicians must follow the dancer’s moves carefully.
Puri Taman Saba was nestled within Puri Saba compound. Since 1951 descendant of late I Gusti Gede Raka lived there. Arie Smit was also closed friends of late I Gusti Gede Raka that often visited Puri Taman Saba.
Based on the desire to preserve and to document Legong Saba style which is disappearing from the public, Didik Nini Thowok, Anak Agung Rai Saba, Ace Robin and Nunik Anurningsih supported by Maharani record have worked together to create tonight’s performance. With the intention to reintroduce this Sabastyle Legong and pass it on to the next generation.




