Pendet Dancers Present Bali’s Charm

RRI.CO.ID, Bali - Pendet dancers present the charm of Bali that captivates world attention through their graceful movements. This dance originally serves as a worship ritual in temples before evolving into a welcoming dance.

The dancers perform in pairs while carrying bowls filled with flower petals. Its uniqueness lies in the sharp and dynamic eye movements of the dancers known as seledet.

The gentle movements of the dancers are accompanied by the rhythmic and harmonious sounds of Balinese gamelan. Traditional attire such as "kain prada" further reinforces its cultural identity.

This performing art combines beautiful movements with the warm hospitality of the Balinese people. Dancers throw flower petals toward the audience as a symbol of respect and welcome.

As quoted by Wikipedia.org, Pendet is believed as a representation of Balinese floral offering ritual, which offered banten or canang (floral offerings) from shrine to shrine within Balinese temple or residential compounds. Initially, Pendet dance is used as a complement of piodalan ceremonies in temples or family shrines, as a symbol of gratitude, respect, and joy when welcoming the presence of the gods who descend from khayangan (realm of gods).

According to sawelasnusantara.com, in the 1950s, Pendet dance began to evolve thanks to Balinese artists, particularly I Wayan Rindi. He was one of the key figures who transformed Pendet from a ritual dance into a welcoming dance performed outside of religious ceremonies, such as at cultural events and tourist performances.

It also stated, since then, Tari Pendet has become known as the Pendet Welcoming Dance, symbolizing hospitality and respect for guests. (Shayla Nabila)