Pendet Dance – Sacred Dance To Welcome The Gods

At first, Pendet is a lot of dance exhibited worship in the temple that symbolizes a welcoming of the gods fall to the earth. Pendet including the type of wali dance (Balinese dance performed exclusively for purposes of religious ceremony). This dance is similar to rituals dances in India.

According to mythology, the wali dances were created by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, known for its cosmic dance, namely Shiva Nata Raja (Lord Shiva as the world plays with a powerful mudra movement unseen). Every movement of his hand with the body has a specific meaning and strength so that this dance is not only showing the beauty of form or dress, but have the power of sekala (scale) and niskala (timeless). In Bali not just anyone can use this mudra movement, only the Sulinggih (Brahmin or a saint) who can use it just because the dance is sacred.

To increase the sekala and niskala power of dance, often accompanied by bantens (offerings) Pasupati for dancers or dance equipment specific. For some carers dance performances, beginning with giving the offerings and tetabuhan (traditional music) for not to be disturbed by bhuta kala giraha and bhuta kala kapiragan (evil spirits). This ritual is also to beg the dancers are guided in accordance with the will of Ida Bethara. So that each dancer's movements are not entirely derived from his own, partly inspired by the movement petitioned of Ida Bethara.

Pendet is the oldest of similar dance in the island of Bali. This dance was created in 1950. This dance has a movement pattern that is more dynamic than Rejang dance which is performed in groups or pairs. Pendet is usually displayed after Rejang Dance at the temple yard and turned to the sacred (pelinggih). Dancers dressed in ceremonial clothing and bring sangku, jars, bowls, or other offerings equipment. Pendet be danced by all people, men and women, adults and girls.

Along with the times, the artists Balinese dances change Pendet be "welcome dance", but still contains elements of the sacred-religious. In 1960 the dance was introduced to the international world through an international event - the Asian games. This Pendet displayed at the opening ceremony of Asian Games in Jakarta, which was opened by President Sukarno. Artists who created of this welcome dance is I Wayan Rindi and Ni Ketut Reneng. They changed this ritual dance became a dance of welcome for the tourists who visited Bali. Usually performed by four dancers at the entrance to a hotel or other official places.