PENDET dance is a traditional Balinese dance created by I Wayan Rindi and Ni Ketut Reneng around 1950s. It is a sacred dance performed as a ritualistic offering to the gods during temple ceremonies and important religious events.
Pendet dance is characterized by its gentle and graceful movements. It is typically performed by a group of young girls or women dressed in vibrant traditional Balinese attire. The dancers carry small bowls with offerings made of woven palm leaves known as “canang sari” with incense stick. These bowl contain flower petals, rice, and other symbolic items as offerings to the deities.
The dance begins with the dancers in a line, moving in synchrony as they step forward and backward. They make gentle hand gestures and sway their bodies gracefully. The movements are accompanied by traditional Balinese music, often performed live by a gamelan ensemble, which adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the dance.
Pendet dance is considered a welcoming dance, symbolizing the invitation for the gods to descend and bless the sacred space where the ceremony is held. It is commonly performed as a prelude to other traditional Balinese dances during temple ceremonies or important cultural events.
Originally, Pendet dance was performed exclusively in temples as a religious ritual. However, due to its beauty and cultural significance, it has become popular as a performance art, showcasing Bali’s rich cultural heritage to tourists and visitors. It is often included in cultural performances and Balinese dance presentations, both within Bali and internationally.
Over time, variations of the Pendet dance have emerged, incorporating new choreography and musical arrangements. These variations often feature larger groups of dancers and more elaborate costumes, adding to the visual spectacle of the performance.
Pendet dance holds a special place in Balinese culture and is considered an important part of the island’s artistic traditions. It represents the devotion, spirituality, and sense of community that are deeply ingrained in Balinese society.
In summary, Pendet dance is a traditional Balinese dance performed as a ritualistic offering to the gods. It features graceful movements, synchronized choreography, and the carrying of offering baskets. Originally performed exclusively in temples, it has now gained popularity as a performance art, showcasing Bali’s rich cultural heritage. Pendet dance is an integral part of Balinese rituals and ceremonies, representing the spirituality and devotion of the Balinese people. (*)
