The Kecak Fire Dance of Bali - DO NOT MISS when in Bali...

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Kecak is one of the more prominent dance dramas of Bali, based on the Hindu Ramayana. It is a definitely not-to-be-missed highlight if you are visiting Bali, along with the other dance drama - Barong.

There are several places where the performances are held, mostly at significant sites of Bali. We missed the major, bigger show at the Uluwatu temple, but managed to catch it at Tanah Lot.

This, we found, was a more intimate courtyard set-up which was fine by me, as it was easier for me to get photographs!

I have previously posted some monochrome shots of scenes during this dance drama, which I felt were suitable due to the dramatic scenes and expressions. However, I also feel it would be a pity if I did not share the colourful aspect as the costumes, make-up, headgear, props and backdrop itself totally adds to the atmosphere at the theatre, small as this may have been.

This is... Kecak... in its full splendor!

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_{Recommended: Do click on images to enjoy the fullscreen view}

Put yourself in front of this scene... It is just before twilight, the sun is setting...
Feel the light breeze blowing in from the sea
The courtyard around this slowly starts to fill...
The audience sitting on stone steps in a semi-circle around the 'stage', torches being lighted around the site

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The show starts with the mainly male performers starting to form a circle and chanting percussively, "Cak! Cak! Cak!", softly at first, then building up in volume and pace while moving their hands and arms rhythmically in the air

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In circles, they sit cross-legged, while an old Hindu priest dressed in all white comes out to bless the performers before the main show starts

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Two main dancers dressed in their finery, come out centre-stage...

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By now the light is beautiful... complemented by the show lights and a wonderful deep blue in the sky above (trust a sky fan like me to, of course, notice this!)
The performers, the 'stage', the atmosphere and the backdrop all together... is simply fantastic!

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The Fire Dance... where Hanuman sets fire to the palace, symbolically, of course!
The set is pitch-dark, the only light from the fire and embers being kicked around by the performers

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Confrontation with Hanuman, the White Monkey King

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A murder most foul...
Only the Balinese can make it a comedy at the same time!

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The Finale ~
And Curtain Call... and more fooling around...

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_{Disclaimer: The above is merely this author's humble description of Kecak. Please do not be under the presumption that all experiences with regard to this dance drama will be similar experiences. Thank you.}

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