Sanghyang Dance, Traditional Dance From Bali

The majority of Bali's population is Hindu. Balinese people strongly believe in the existence of evil spirits and also spirits and nature that has a magical power. To neutralize and also balance this situation, the Balinese perform a ceremony that is accompanied by religious dances, one of which is Sanghyang Dance. Sanghyang dance is usually danced in sacred ceremonies and aims to complement the ceremony used in expelling disease outbreaks in certain areas.

This Sanghyang dance cannot be enjoyed at any time and also not in any place. This dance is different from the dance that has been modified into a public performance such as dance lines, dance barong kecak, legong dance, and other dances. This Sanghyang Dance consists of several types, among them are Sanghyang Dewa, Sanghyang Dangklik, Sanghyang Deling, Sanghyang Celeng, Sanghyang Dedari, Sanghyang Penyalin, Sanghyang Bumbung, Sanghyang Medi, Sanghyang Sengkrong, Sanghyang Kidang, Sanghyang Janger, and Sanghyang Jaran.

Sanghyang Jaran Dance

Sanghyang Dance is basically served to repel a disease that is attacking in an area or village. In addition, this dance can be a means of protection in a region against the threat of evil magical power. This dance is a remnant of pre-Hindu culture and is generally only danced by two dancers. The dancer in this dance is a girl who is still small and still sacred. To be a Sanghyang dancer is not easy because they have to do some abstinence, for example, they are not allowed to say dirty, stealing, lying, and also pass under clothesline clothes. In addition, they must follow the rules and instructions that have been determined.

While dancing, these dancers are in an unconscious state and like possessed by spirits. Initially, the dancer with this white veil will be smoked with incense while healing with a sacred song for the early ceremony. So that the two dancers do not fall when unconscious, then there are two women who will take care of it. The white veil of this dancer will be opened after they lose consciousness. When these dancers are not aware, then they will dance. They sometimes dance on coals of fire. Furthermore, they will also be taken around the village to drive out the plague. These attractions are generally done at night until midnight.

Understanding Sanghyang Dance in Bali there are several types. Even in each district and also the village has the typical dance of each. For example in the type of Sanghyang Dedari. Sanghyang dance is generally danced by two girls who through the ceremony curing and then in accompaniment with kecak or singing. Unconsciously, the dancers were paraded using equipment such as stretches. In Pesangkan, Karangasem, this Sanghyang dance has another variation, the two dancers will dance on a bamboo. Meanwhile, in Bangli Regency will be different again. The Sanghyang dancers there will dance on the shoulders of men. Dance like this is also often referred to as Sanghyang Dewa.

In Sanghyang Deling, the two dancers carry a deling or a doll made of papyrus. Deling is believed to be possessed by a sacred spirit and then paraded around while dancing. In the past, this dance developed around the lake Batur. The accompaniment or gamelan used was only drum and flute. Unfortunately, the dance is currently no longer found in the area. However, similar dances can still be found in Tabanan, but have another name that is Sanghyang Dangkluk. In addition, there is a Sanghyang dance that uses rattan, so this dance is often known as Sanghyang Penyalin. If in Sanghyang Dance is usually danced by two girls, but the dancers of this dance is a man. This dancer will swing the cane in an unconscious state.