From Crown To Badong, Here Are 6 Properties Used In Legong Dance

Legong Dance (Pinterest/Bali Je T'aime)

YOGYAKARTA - Bali Island is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its cultural wealth. Among these cultural heritages, traditional dances are the main attraction for tourists. One of the famous dances is the Legong Dance, a traditional dance full of meaning.

The Legong Dance was originally presented as a form of gratitude to the ancestors in religious ceremonies. However, along with the times, the Legong Dance is also displayed as entertainment and cultural performances for tourists. Although its function has changed, the aesthetic and symbolic values are maintained, including the use of various beautiful and meaningful properties.

The Legong dance is usually performed by two young female dancers who have not experienced menstruation. In its performance, various properties are needed so that the performance of the dancer is maximum and more lively. Here are some properties needed that are used in the performance of the Legong Dance.

One of the main properties in the Legong Dance is the crown of the head. This crown is gold and decorated with ornaments that hang on the right and left sides. When the dancer moves his head, the decoration also swings gently, creating beautiful visual effects.

Another property that is very important is the fan of the hand. This fan is a symbol of Gunce and softness of the Legong dancer. With bright colors and glossy patterns, fans are not onlyautified by hand movements, but also become the main element in every choreography.

Gelungan is a typical head decoration that has various types according to the type of dance. In the Legong Dance, one of the things used is the star's sambeh legend made of janur, puring leaves, and colorful flowers. Its shape resembles that of a pen that symbolizes prosperity and blessings in the life of the Balinese people.

Other types of basins such as pupundakan loops and melting basins are also often used. Pupundakan basins have a triangular crown on the back, while the melting is characterized by hair folding on the back as well as kamboja flower decorations on the front and side. All these variations show fine arts and detail finesse in Balinese traditional dance clothing.

The next property is seesaw, white and red flower decorations installed adjacent to the head crown. As the name implies, this flower will sway along with the dancer's head movement, creating a dynamic impression and living in every appearance.

In addition to head decorations, the dancers also wear bracelets on their hands. These bracelets are made of silver and carved with Balinese motifs. The weight is only about 25 mg, so it does not hinder the dancer's movement but still adds to the elegant and elegant impression.

Badong is jewelry like a necklace worn on the dancer's neck. This necklace is made of animal skin and is colored with gold. The use of badong gives a luxurious impression on the dancer's appearance.

In addition to the above properties, the Legong Dance also uses magnificent Balinese traditional foams and accompaniment of gamelan music. This combination between movement, clothing, variety of properties, and music has made the Legong Dance so lively and continues to this day.