Barong performance is actually a style of traditional Balinese and also Javanese dance from Bali and Java. The dance would demonstrate the mythological depiction of animals that have supernatural powers and could protect humans. For those who might not know, Barong is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders in the mythological traditions of Bali. The Barong dance features a battle between Barong and also Rangda to represent the eternal battle between good and evil. A little bit of history.
Word Barong comes from the Sanskrit ‘Bahruang’ or animals that are considered to have supernatural powers and are often regarded as protectors of goodness. Some of them would be Barong Ket, Barong Bangkal, Barong Landung, Barong Macan, Barong Gajah, Barong Asu, Barong Brutuk, Barong Lembu, Barong Kedingkling, Barong Kambing and also Barong Gagombrangan. It would have lively gamelan music as a complement to the dance performances.
@clearlensproductionWe captured this Barong performance during one of our pre-covid wedding video shoots #weddingvideographer #weddingsg #weddingcustom #balinesetradition
All of the Barong performances are distinguished based on their purpose. Barong dance that is done in a certain place has a special meaning and purpose that is sacred. Barong Dance that is displayed outside to the public usually intends to entertain tourists. Special spells are usually embedded in the sacred Barong dance, such as in the Barong Ngunya Dance and Barong Bangkung. Whereas the entertain Barong dance only contains entertaining stories.
Sources: TikTok clearlensproduction, Wonderful Indonesia.