In Reply to: what is Kecak??? posted by blondie_gal on Saturday, 9. September 2006 at 20:20 Bali Time:
The Kecak dance is a spectacular "dance", with an all male chorus of that describes an episode from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Its not vital to know the details of the storyline to appreciate what is a real must-see spectacle. Normally performed at or after sunset, the dancers perform to a constant soundtrack of often over 100 bare chested men sit in concentric circles around a central bonfire - there is a popular Bali postcard with a photo of this.
There is no gamelan or other musical accompanyment - only the non-stop, almost hypnotic swaying and chanting of the men and a lot of clapping and chest slapping provide the backgorund to the dance.
You can see the Kecak in quite a few places around Bali, but one of the most spectacular (5000 men not included!) is at the temple at Ulu Watu - the dramatic backdrop of the ocean to the performance is breathtaking.
If you have the opportunity, this is one dance that is DEFINITELY worth seeing.