Barong Dance, Traditional Dance From Bali

Barong Dance is one of the traditional dances originating from Bali. This dance is one of heritage dances from pre Hindu culture, besides Sangyang dance. The word barong itself comes from the word bahruang, which means bears, a mythological animal that has supernatural powers and is regarded as a protective animal.



This dance uses a doll in the form of four-legged animals or early humans who have magical powers. But in reality in Bali, this barong doll is not only embodied in four-legged animals, but there are also two-legged.



Barong mask making material is made of wood that comes from haunted places, such as in the cemetery, therefore Barong is a sacred and highly sanctified by Hindus in Bali. The performances of this dance are without play and always start with a show demonstration accompanied by different gamelan instruments, such as using Babarongan gamelan, Batel gamelan, and Gong Kebyar gamelan.

The Development of Barong Dance

At first, the Barong was only depicted on four legs, but with its development, Barong is not only described today as an animal that has four legs but can also be two legs, sometimes even depicted as a human being. So, what exactly is the understanding of the Barong? Barong word comes from the sansakerta language, namely Bahruang which means bears. In Hindu mythology, the beast is considered to have supernatural powers and is also often referred to as a protective animal for living things. With this mythology, we can draw the conclusion that this Barong is a protective figure for living beings and the beneficiaries and also the goodness of the surrounding.

Types of Barong Dance

Lion barong is the most common barong found on the island of Bali. In each area of Bali has a guardian spirit in the forest or land. This protective spirit is described in the form of certain animals, such as:

Types of Barong

• Barong Ket, which is a barong shaped like a lion animal, this barong is the most common barong and symbolizes the spirit of goodness.


• Barong Landung, which is a giant tangible barong, this barong is influenced by Chinese culture and its form is similar to Ondel-ondel in Betawi.


• Barong Celeng, which is a wild boar-shaped barong.


• Barong Macan, a tiger-shaped barong or tiger.


• Dragon Barong, which is a dragon animal or snake-shaped barong.


• Barongan Pilangrejo, which is a barong shaped like a lion animal and comes from the juwangi district, this barong describes the symbol of savagery.

In addition to the types of barong above, there are also other types of barong, such as barong brutuk in the village Trunyan. This barong uses the feathers of banana leaves that have been dried and very sacred by the people in Trunyan. There is also a Barong which is generally performed specifically at Ngaben ceremony.

Dance Ranup Lampuan, Traditional Dance From Aceh

Rupuh Lampuan is a traditional dance art originating from Aceh. This dance is a visualization of the life philosophy of the Acehnese people, which is to uphold the hospitality in welcoming the guests. The movement after movement in Rupuh Lampuan illustrates the procession of picking, wrapping, and also serving the betel to the respected guests, as in the custom of Aceh people who have the habit of serving the betel to their guests. Given the characteristics of the base, this dance is classified into several types of traditional dance or ceremony.

History of Ranup Lampuan

The word ranup or ranub in the language of Aceh does have the meaning of betel, while the word lampuan consists of two words, namely lam and puan, the word lam means in, while the word puan means a typical place of betel Aceh. This Ranup Lampuan dance was created by Yusrizal from Banda Aceh, which was more or less in 1962. Shortly after the popular Banda Aceh, this dance then developed in various other areas in Aceh.



In the beginning, the dance performed by 7 female dancers was created with the accompaniment of a modern music (band or orchestra), but in its development, Ranup Lampuan is more often accompanied by traditional Acehnese music, Serune Kalee, as proposed by a number of parties at that time.

Meaning In Ranup Lampuan

Every movement and attribute that exist in this dance contains symbolic meaning. As an illustration, the whole dance movement is performed in an orderly and gentle manner as an expression to the encyclopedia of receiving guests. There is also a gesture of greeting by using hands swinging left, right, and also forward as a symbol of reverence in inviting guests to sit. Then, betel in puan was served real by Ranup Lampuan dancers to the guests they welcome.



In the Acehnese society, these sirih and puan are symbols of a fraternal warmth. In addition, as a greeter, cooking or betel dish has an important role in the social rituals of the people of Aceh, so that the rupture or betel is always present in various professions, such as from the procession of marriage, circumcision, even when burying the corpse.