The Baris Dance

A pair of men, dressed in colourful costumes and cone-shaped headdresses, take to the stage. Their glaring eyes, which constantly shift, and their spinning movements evoke the image of warriors preparing for battle. The pulsating rhythm of the Balinese gamelan draws the audience in, intensifying their enjoyment of the stunning Baris dance performance.

The Baris dance, a quintessential Balinese tradition, has become an integral part of the island’s culture. This dance is closely associated with men and is often the first dance taught to Balinese boys as they transition into adulthood.

My young friend from Peliatan posed for me during a Baris performance at Masako's home in Sebatu.

According to I Made Bandem in his article The Baris Dance, published in Ethnomusicology (Vol. 19, No. 2, May 1975), the name Baris originates from the word bebarisan, which literally means "line" or "marching formation." This term refers to the ancient Balinese troops that were deployed by the kings of Bali to defend their kingdom in times of conflict. In addition to its ritual significance, Baris is also recognised as a patriotic dance or a training dance, typically performed by men in groups ranging from four to sixty dancers.

“The ritual function of the Baris dance is to demonstrate physical maturity. This maturity is proven by showcasing skills in military practice, particularly the use of weapons; hence, the patriotic aspect is also embedded in the dance,” explained Bandem.

The origins of the Baris dance can be traced back to the Kidung Sunda, a text written in 1550 AD. The manuscript mentions seven types of bebarisan (martial arts dances) that were performed during a funeral ceremony held by Hayam Wuruk, the greatest king of Majapahit. This ceremony lasted for about five weeks. Some believe that the single Baris dance was inspired by the Baris Melampahan. According to Bandem, the Baris Melampahan is the most impressive and brilliant form of dance. It is a type of Balinese dance drama, with its story drawn from two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and is presented through dialogue. The dialogue is in Kawi (ancient Javanese), a language that is no longer understood by modern audiences.

Currently in Bali, there are various types of baris dances, totaling 40 types. Each type of baris dance is generally named according to its characteristics, such as the area of ​​origin, weapons, clothing, or equipment used. Some examples are baris dapdap, baris ketekok jago, baris panah, and baris tamiang. In fact, some regions have more than one type of ceremonial baris dance.