Baris Dance

 

Baris Tunggal

Bali is not only know as a paradise on earth because its beautiful nature and friendly people. The culture and tradition that is hold strong by the Balinese is also one of the reason to attract tourists to visit Bali.

Traditional dance, art, ceremony is performance every single day in Bali. Now I will bring you one of the sacred and classic traditional dance, called  Baris Dance. Word of Baris literally mean Line (troops line up). There are two kinds of Baris dance; Baris Tunggal which is mean solo Baris and Baris Gede which is mean Big or massive baris usually performed for temple festivals only.

Baris Tunggal which is a solo dancer depicts the feelings of a young warrior prior to battle, glorifying the man hood of the triumphant Balinese warrior and displaying the sublimity of his commanding presence. This is usually performed at any temple festival or for entertainment. This dance is companied by gambelan Gong Kebyar. Baris Gede which is performed by massive dancer is the sacred one. Baris Gede companied by gambelan Gong Gede. Baris Gede is the original ritual dance then grew the dramatic Baris Tunggal.

Baris Tunggal Dancer

Baris Gede at Ulundanu Temple, Batur

Baris dance refers to the ancient Balinese soldier who were used by the Balinese Kings to protect their kingdom from the disturbance. Aside from its ritualistic function, the Baris dance is also known as a patriotic or warior dril dance. The Baris dance is mostly performed by a men, solo for Baris tunggal and at least four to sixty dancers for Baris gede.

The ritualistic function of Baris dance is to show physical maturity. The maturity is proven by demonstrating skills in military practice, particularly in use of weapons; hence the patriotic aspect also given to the dance.

Baris Gede Dancer

The Baris dance is unique in its characterization, stressing the firmness and the steadiness of foot steps and skill of handling the military weapons. Its costume also unique. The dancer wears "Gelungan" a head dress shave like cone but full of adornments-a bunch of golden decorated scarves called "awiran or lelamakan" hanging around his body to cover his underclothes. His shirt vary in color; black, red, and white are preferred. The shoulder is covered by "bapang" an elaborated neck band studded with colored stones. A "Setagen" a long tie that is wrapped around his chest hold the keris (short windy sword) or the dagger on his back. The keris become his weapon especially on Baris Tunggal. On the Baris Gede mostly the weapons are spears and their costume are a little bit simple.

Sources: wikipedia, 

http://www.jstor.org

http://www.bali-tourism-board.com