Sanghyang Dance, Traditional Dance From Bali

The majority of Bali's population is Hindu. Balinese people strongly believe in the existence of evil spirits and also spirits and nature that has a magical power. To neutralize and also balance this situation, the Balinese perform a ceremony that is accompanied by religious dances, one of which is Sanghyang Dance. Sanghyang dance is usually danced in sacred ceremonies and aims to complement the ceremony used in expelling disease outbreaks in certain areas.



This Sanghyang dance cannot be enjoyed at any time and also not in any place. This dance is different from the dance that has been modified into a public performance such as dance lines, dance barong kecak, legong dance, and other dances. This Sanghyang Dance consists of several types, among them are Sanghyang Dewa, Sanghyang Dangklik, Sanghyang Deling, Sanghyang Celeng, Sanghyang Dedari, Sanghyang Penyalin, Sanghyang Bumbung, Sanghyang Medi, Sanghyang Sengkrong, Sanghyang Kidang, Sanghyang Janger, and Sanghyang Jaran.

Sanghyang Jaran Dance

Sanghyang Dance is basically served to repel a disease that is attacking in an area or village. In addition, this dance can be a means of protection in a region against the threat of evil magical power. This dance is a remnant of pre-Hindu culture and is generally only danced by two dancers. The dancer in this dance is a girl who is still small and still sacred. To be a Sanghyang dancer is not easy because they have to do some abstinence, for example, they are not allowed to say dirty, stealing, lying, and also pass under clothesline clothes. In addition, they must follow the rules and instructions that have been determined.



While dancing, these dancers are in an unconscious state and like possessed by spirits. Initially, the dancer with this white veil will be smoked with incense while healing with a sacred song for the early ceremony. So that the two dancers do not fall when unconscious, then there are two women who will take care of it. The white veil of this dancer will be opened after they lose consciousness. When these dancers are not aware, then they will dance. They sometimes dance on coals of fire. Furthermore, they will also be taken around the village to drive out the plague. These attractions are generally done at night until midnight.



Understanding Sanghyang Dance in Bali there are several types. Even in each district and also the village has the typical dance of each. For example in the type of Sanghyang Dedari. Sanghyang dance is generally danced by two girls who through the ceremony curing and then in accompaniment with kecak or singing. Unconsciously, the dancers were paraded using equipment such as stretches. In Pesangkan, Karangasem, this Sanghyang dance has another variation, the two dancers will dance on a bamboo. Meanwhile, in Bangli Regency will be different again. The Sanghyang dancers there will dance on the shoulders of men. Dance like this is also often referred to as Sanghyang Dewa.



In Sanghyang Deling, the two dancers carry a deling or a doll made of papyrus. Deling is believed to be possessed by a sacred spirit and then paraded around while dancing. In the past, this dance developed around the lake Batur. The accompaniment or gamelan used was only drum and flute. Unfortunately, the dance is currently no longer found in the area. However, similar dances can still be found in Tabanan, but have another name that is Sanghyang Dangkluk. In addition, there is a Sanghyang dance that uses rattan, so this dance is often known as Sanghyang Penyalin. If in Sanghyang Dance is usually danced by two girls, but the dancers of this dance is a man. This dancer will swing the cane in an unconscious state.

Pendet Dance, Traditional Dance From Bali

Pendet Dance is a welcome dance or Balinese welcome dance and is a very famous traditional Balinese dance. This dance is performed at a ceremony such as welcoming big guests or other cultural events. Pendet dance is usually played by a female dancer with a bowl containing all kinds of flowers that became his trademark.

History of Pendet Dance

Pendet Dance was originally a traditional dance part of the piodalan ceremony in Pura or other holy places which as an expression of gratitude and respect from the people of Bali in order to welcome the presence of the gods who descend from khayangan. This dance has become an integral part of the spiritual life of the community there.



Starting from there, one of the artists from Bali that I Wayan Rindi inspired and wanted to change the dance into a welcome dance. Assisted by Ni Ketut Reneng, the two also created Pendet Dance as a welcome dance with four dancers. This dance was later developed and refined by I Wayang Baratha by adding the number of dancers to five people. Although it has become a welcome or welcome dance, this dance still contains some religious elements that characterize Balinese society.

Pendet Dance Function

Pendet Dance there are two types and distinguished by its function, namely Pendet Pendral Dance and Pendet Pendembutan Dance. The sacred Pendet dance is performed as part of a religious ritual in Balinese society. In the show, everything is simpler, but this dance has a very strong religious element.



While Pendet Pendet dance is displayed as part of an entertainment or welcome dance. The show is more focused on the beauty of beauty in terms of motion, clothing, and beauty of the dancers. However, elements of Balinese culture are still attached to this dance.

Pendet Dance Performance

In Pendet Dance performed by female dancers who each brought a bowl containing a variety of flowers. At the end of the show, the dancer sprinkled the flowers they brought towards the audience and the guests as a welcome greeting.



Dancers dance with a dynamic movement and in accordance with the rhythm of his musical accompaniment. Music accompaniment at this Pendet Dance show is Balinese Gamelan music such as comfort, gangsa, tungguh, kendang, and others.

Pendet Dance Movement

Movement of this Pendet dance is a complete dance movement, dance movement dance is almost all parts of the body in motion. Starting from the movement of feet, hands, fingers, body, neck to the movement of the expressive eye movements and facial expression. In dancing, this dance certainly requires flexibility and agility.

Pendet Dance Costume

In this performance Pendet dance wear clothing and makeup typical Balinese dancers. Clothing such as tapih, kemben prade, belt prade, belt stagen, scarves wrapped around the body and placed on the dancer's shoulders. At the head of the dancer, the hair is tied with a gonjer dragon and then decorated with jepun flowers, frangipani flowers, roses and Cempaka. Besides dancers also beautified with various accessories such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. While the makeup dancer usually more sharpening on the lines face making it look more clear and do not forget to also use the subeng.

Pendet Dance Development

Bali is one of the many tourist destinations inhabited by overseas tourists. But the Balinese are well known for their culture and traditions that are still preserved to this day. Proven traditional arts and traditional traditions that continue to be maintained and preserved, even it is one of the tourist attraction in Bali. One of them is Pendet Dance. This dance is still preserved by the artists in Bali and still continues to be displayed in cultural ceremonies such as welcoming, tourism promotion, and cultural festivals.