Set to the Gong Kebyar - an orchestra formed by a group of gamelan instruments (musical instruments with five notes forged from copper and bronze) and various metal gongs and symbols.

Also accompanied by the Gong Kebyar (see above), The Legong dance is perhaps the most graceful of Balinese dances. It is performed only by young girls 8-12 years old (after reaching puberty the girls usually stop performing this dance).

This may be the most famous of Balinese dances but it is not a traditional dance. It was developed in the 1930’s in the village of Bona specifically to cater to Western tastes. With no musical instruments accompanying this dance the dance troupe is "accompanied" by a large group of men (the more the better), naked from the waist up chanting ‘kechak-ke-chack’.

This is the full blown Ramayana epic adventure and is a spectacular dance replete with several characters all in different and gorgeous costumes. The story tells more or less the same story as the Kecak (see above) with one important difference - there is no Kecak "orchestra" rather the dancers are accompanied by a full 30 piece Gong Kebyar orchestra. Done well, this dance is not to be missed.

Often the Makepung dance is one part of a dance program with 3 or 4 short dances. Accompanied by the "Jegog" - another 5 note instrument but in this case made of very large pieces of bamboo. So large in fact that the musician must sit on top of the instrument in order to play it. Loud without being ear splitting the deep sound vibrates right through your body

The Wayang Kulit is not a dance per se but is still one of our favorites. The Wayang Kulit are Shadow puppets and this cultural treat is often overlooked by the tour operators because there are no flashy costumes. The "stage" is quite small - really only a bed sheet with a lantern illuminating it from behind so you will need to sit close. In this intimate night setting you will get a good idea of how this ancient tradition is still performed in the villages throughout Indonesia.