Kecak

Page Down Page Up Back to Thumbnails Bali Map List Bali Photos Page 7 of 10
Kecak 197.jpg (39190 bytes) The Kecak and Fire Dance.  Padang Tegal, Ubud

The Kecak, choreographed by Walter Spies in 1930 is an astonishing performance.  Taking place after sunset it starts with the blessing of offerings and the lighting of a central candelabra.  Suddenly, the quiet is shattered by the cries of a hundred men, who run on to the stage chanting the ritual sounds "chak a chak a chak".
They form a circle around the candelabra, opening and closing the circle with movements of head, arms and torso.  Chanting and shouting, the choir use their voices as an orchestra.  Scenes from the Ramayana are enacted in the center of the circle Kecak 202.jpg (38963 bytes)
Kecak 203.jpg (38704 bytes) The Sanghyang Jaran dancer astride his coconut palm hobby horse.
In a trance he walks over red hot coconut husks to chase away the spirits of sickness and death. Kecak 204.jpg (39469 bytes)
Page Down Page Up Back to Thumbnails Bali Map List Bali Photos Page 7 of 10