Music and Dance

The traditions of music and dance that exist in Indonesia today are perhaps the most visual and diverse manifestations of the cultural heritage of the peoples that inhabit the country. Practically every region and every ethnic group has its own unique dances, many of which originate in ancient pagan sacred mysteries. The influx of Hinduism and Buddhism, and, later, Islam, had a significant influence on the development of the art of music and dance in Indonesia. Starting in the 16th century, it began to incorporate elements of European culture as well. One can dedicate more than one book to describing the entire art of dance of this country: for example, on the island of Bali alone there exist more than 200 different dances. Here I would like to demonstrate just a few that have been documented not on the stages of Europe but in the authentic setting of island celebrations. In large cities and places frequented by tourists there are permanent concert venues for performances that involve professional dancers.
But most festival performers are amateur troupes, as well as dance school students. Their performances in brightly colored national costumes are rooted in local music and dance traditions that have been preserved over centuries.