In legends, Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all classical Balinese dances, it remains the quintessence of femininity and grace. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent the community as Legong dancers. Connoisseurs hold the dance in highest esteem and spend hours discussing the merits of various Legong groups. The most popular Legong is the Legong Keraton, (Legong of the palace). Formerly, the dance was patronized by local Rajas and held in the Puri, residence of the royal family of the village. Dancers were recruited from the most apt and prettiest children. Today, the trained dancers are still very young! A girl of fourteen approaches the age of retirement as a Legong performer.
The Titra Sari dancers and musicians are a highly respected dance group specialising in the Legong and normally only perform in their village of Peliatan. They have, on several occasions over the last fifty years, taken this dance overseas for performances, and were one of the first groups in Bali to do so.
OVERTURE
The Gamelan Gong, or Balinese orchestra, will play an instrumental opening.
WELCOME DANCE (PENDET)
This dance symbolizes the joyful reception of the Gods, who are coming to attend the temple festival. At the end of this dance the ladies will throw flower petals with praying gestures it symbolizes the welcoming and blessing of the audience.
BARIS DANCE
A traditional war dance, glorifying the victorious Balinese war hero and depicting his courage as he goes to battle. This dance can be performed by a young male or female.
TARI KELINCI, THE RABBIT DANCE
Created by the Academy of Performing Arts in Bali, this dance shows how cute and quaint the rabbits are. As the movements would be odd if adult dancers were to perform this dance, the rabbit roles are played by small children.
LEGONG KERATON
This dance is based on an event, which took place during the 12th century. The first character introduced in this classical court dance is “Condong” (a court lady) who is later joined by the two “Legongs”, Prince Lasem and Princess Rangkesari. Lasem has forcibly carried off Rangkesari. Despite his efforts she persistently refuses him and meanwhile learns that her fiancée, the crown prince of Kahuripan, is coming to her rescue. Feeling sorry for her abductor, Rangkesari urges Lasem to set her free. However Lasem would rather confront the crown Prince than return the Princess to him. On his way to the battle, Lasem encounters a raven, which is considered a bad omen. Paying it no heed, Lasem chases the bird away. He later is defeated by the crown Prince.
CENDRAWASIH
Cendrawasih is the beautiful bird from Irian which is known as the bird of Paradise, the choreography is talking about the bird, its arrogance, its behaviors and its beauties in the Balinese way.
