Kecak dance

The traditional Balinese dance Kecak is more of a musical-dramatic performance. It originated in the 1930s. Traditionally, only men participated in the performance, but since 2006, women's groups have also started to appear.

The performance is based on a scene from the sacred epic Ramayana. The main group of performers (70-150 people or more) forms a circle, constantly chanting "chak" and extending their arms upwards. They wear only loincloths, and their chests are bare. The main characters appear in elaborate costumes. The monkey-like character Hanuman helps Prince Rama in his battle against the evil king Ravana.

Initially, Kecak was a trance dance. Many performers enter a trance during the performance. In the 1930s, German artist and musician Walter Spies became so fascinated by Balinese rituals and immersed himself in their study that he decided this unique performance should be presented to the world. He adapted the storyline and the traditional dance itself to showcase it to European tourists. The rhythm and motifs of the Kecak dance can be found in many films and musical compositions by European groups.