Mask Dance in Bali

Tari Topeng. Image: potretbali.blogspot.com

Bali is a very unique tropical paradise. You will find many forms of fine arts in Bali. Bali’s abundant creativity is not restricted to carvings, paintings, textiles, souvenirs, etc. The performing arts such as music, dance, and puppetry are equally as rich. 

Balinese arts are can be divided into two major categories. The first is for ceremonial (religious) purposes and the second is for entertainment. However, visitors do not have to wait to see Balinese dance, because many restaurants and hotels hold regular dance performances, and there are many arenas or amphitheaters specially built to hold dance performances for tourists. There are many kinds of Balinese dance such as Kecak Dance, Legong Dance, Topeng Dance or Mask Dance, and Barong Dance. 

Fire Dance. Image: en.wikipedia.org

Topeng Tua is one of the famous Topeng Dance (Tari Topeng) performances. Topeng Tua is a solo performer donning the mask of a very old man, and his physical movement portrays the characters' thoughts, emotions, and feelings. In other variants, a troupe may perform a number of different characters.

 The topeng dance is not commonly held for tourist, but are performed as part of other cultural (ritual) events such as religious ceremony, the Bali Arts Festival, and other special occasions. 

If you really want to see these unique dances, don’t forget to ask your tour guide about a Balinese ceremony event in a village or in a Balinese temple because Topeng dance is not performed for tourists. You may get lucky.