Kecak Dance in Uluwatu

Kecak dance is one of Bali’s unusuall dance, not like any other dance, Kecak performed without gamelan. The name is actually taken from the rythim of the chanting ‘monkey’ chorus; cha-chak-cha-cak …

The story behind Kecak is taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka.

A troupe of over 150 bare-chested men serve as the chorus circling the flame at the centre where the dancer are performing.
In the 1930’s Wayan Limbak worked with German painter Walter Spies to create the Kecak from movements and themes in the traditional sanghyang exorcism ritual and the portions of the Ramayana. This collaboration between artists worked to create a dance that was both authentic to Balinese traditions but also palatable to Western tourist’s narrow tastes at the time. Wayan Limbak popularized the dance by traveling throughout the world with Balinese performance groups. These travels have helped to make the Kecak famous throughout the world.