The Kecak dance (pronounced as ‘ke-tjak’) is also known as the fire & trance dance. It is one of our favorite Balinese dance performances. This traditional dance was originally an exorcism ritual in which a group of men continuously chant ‘cak’ while another would go into a trance.
But in the 1930s Wayan Limbak and the German artist Walter Spies transformed this trance ritual into the famous Hindu drama Ramayana.
The trance ritual remained the same. But in order to attract a Western audience, they added Balinese dancers and a storyteller. The latter explains the Hindu epic of Ramayana in Balinese.
The Story told at the Kecak dance
The Ramayana tells the story of Prince Rama who wants to rescue his kidnapped wife, princess Sita from the hands of the evil Rawana, King of Lanka.
The Prince asks the General of the Monkey Army, Hanoman, for help. It is a typical story between good and evil described by performers who wear colorful masks, are beautifully dressed and dance gracefully.
After the performance ends someone conducts a Sanghyang Jaran trance dance and rides on a wooden horse through burning coconut shells sending embers through the sky. Be careful of flying coconut shells. The Hindu priest eventually helps the man get out of his trance
The whole combination of a dozen of men chanting around flickering oil lamps, under the stars while they move their bodies and sway their hands accompanied by the crispy yet firm voice of the storyteller and the dancers depicting the drama between good and evil makes this whole performance a dramatic and mesmerizing one.
It is definitely not a performance to be missed….
Where can you see the Kecak Dance?
The Kecak is performed daily in different places on the island. In Ubud, you are likely to witness this dance at a temple complex near an old banyan tree at various locations. There are many groups such as the Taman Kaja Community that perform the Kecak fire dance at their temple complex.
But there are many other unique settings where the Kecak trance dance is held. The most popular is at Pura Luhur Uluwatu, mainly known as the Uluwatu temple. This is an ideal location if you are staying in the Kuta area or Jimbaran beach.
Another amazing setting to witness this Balinese dance is at Tanah Lot temple. After enjoying the amazing sunset at this famous temple you can arrange tickets at the Surya Mandala Cultural Park Tanah Lot for the performance that starts at 18.30.
Much further towards the north, about 21km from the village Tabanan you can find Batukaru temple. Here, amid thick vegetation and fresh air you can enjoy the Kecak performance on Sunday and Wednesday at 19.30. Tickets and transportation can be arranged at any tourist office in town.
If you happen to be in Ubud during a full moon or new moon then head to ARMA open stage. Only then do they perform this fascinating performance.