KECAK DANCE

Kecak dance, (pronounced "Ketchak"), is perhaps the most stunning of all the Balinese dances despite its comparative simplicity. Up to one hundred or more men, bare from the waist up, from a living backdrop and simultaneous orchestration for the on action of an episode from the Ramayana. The name of the dance is derived from the "chak-chak" sounds that emanate in syncopated rhythm from the male chorus, a tradition derived from the "singing in" of the spirits in the ritual Sanghyang trance ceremony. A choreography based upon (the coordination of movements of the head, arms and upper body of this group of men, seated on the ground in a circular pattern, transform the entire stage into a swaying, living, flower-like configuration. In the midst of this melee, the dancers enacting the story sway and leap by torchlight, whilst a story teller chants the story enacted. Regular performances of the Kecak dance are held in the village in the evenings, and the opportunity to witness this unique dance should not be missed.

THE STORY :
Bharata, the third son of King Dasaratha , and Rama's younger brother was crowned as king of Ayodhia to fulfill his father's wish. For this reason, Rama, the legal heir to the throne, left his father's palace followed by his wife, and his younger brother Laksamana to a forest called Dandaka.
Rahwana, the king of Alengka intended to kidnap Sinta and ordered his Prime Minister Marica, to transform himself into a golden deer to allure Sinta.
By using this trick, Rahwana succeded in kidnapping Sinta, and brought her to his kingdom, Alengka Pura.
On their way to Alengka, there were encountered by a huge eagle, Jatayu, who was a friend of Rama. Jatayu tried to recapture Sinta with all his might but Rahwana was too powerful for him and he was defeated. Rama and Laksmana were told by Jatayu on the where about of Sinta before his death. Hanoman the sacred white monkey, succeeded to meet Sinta in the garden of Alengka's .having done his duty, Hanoman destroyed the garden.
Accompanied by an all monkeys troop, Rama and Laksmana attacked Alengka. A great battle occured between Rama and Rahwana which ended by Rama's victory. Finally, Sinta met her beloved husband and joyfully returned to Ayodhia

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