Dance

Important art form
Dance in Indonesia is a highly developed art. It is an important part of Indonesian life. Dances are part of celebrations, and mark important times of life such as births, weddings and funerals. They are part of festivities at times of planting and harvesting of rice, and other important events.

There are many different types and style of dance. The dances of the different islands vary. Men and women seldom perform together, except in courtship dances. Generally dancers will be either men or women.

Generally, Indonesian dances are slow, with very controlled movements. The dancers' arm and hand movements are very important.

Court dances
The court dances are very formal in style. Dancers keep their faces expressionless, and perform precise gestures. Some of the dances are like dance-dramas and tell tales of epic battles. Some dances reflect the pomp and formality of the court. Some dances tell stories from the Ramayana, the Hindu holy book.

Martial dances
Martial dances are generally performed only by men. They were originally war dances, and in some the men demonstrate their skill in using the weapons of battle, such as spears.

Masks
Some dances involve the use of elaborate masks. It is believed that when a dancer wears a mask, he takes on the character of the mask as though the spirit of the mask takes over. Each island has different mask dances, and different styles of masks.

The barong mask (left) of Bali is well known. The barong dance in Bali chases evil spirits away from the village. A barong is a good and kind lion-like being.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:

A Trip to Indonesia (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated 18 February, 2001