Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The most popular Indonesian dance

Ramayana Dance
The Ramayana dance tells the story of a legendary epic, presented in a series of graceful dance movements accompanied by gamelan music – an orchestra of traditional Javanese instruments. For those who enjoy cultural displays, this is a splendid performance that is not to be missed. The ballet brings together different aspects of traditional Javanese culture with dance, drama, music and costume all on display. Performers do not speak during the dance. The only storyteller comes from the sinden, a female singer who describes the story through Javanese song.

The story of Ramayana tells the heroic tale of Prince Rama and his loyal wife Sita. It
is an epic story, a metaphor about the triumph of good over evil.

Sita is abducted by the giant Rahwana and carried to his palace at Alengka. In his search for his wife Sita, Rama receives assistance from the white monkey king, Hanuman, who burns Alengka Palace and restores princess Sita to her husband.   This is a tale that originates from India. The first reference to the story of Ramayana in South East Asia was in a sixth century inscription in Cambodia. Today the Ramayana story is performed in a variety of art forms throughout Indonesia.

The Ramayana has two endings, and these are played alternately on different occasions. In the first, princess Sita is saved and is happily restored to her husband, Rama. In the second version, - most probably the original one – Rama suspects Sita’s chastity when she returns. To prove that she has remained faithful to her husband, Sita asks to be burned alive. If she has lied, she will die, if not, she would remain unharmed. After being burnt, a living Sita emerged from the flames. Thus, it is a happy ending after all.

Ramayana Dance Video 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Ramayana's Story Dance