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sanghyang
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sanghyang

Balinese dance
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Quick Summary

The sanghyang is a Balinese dance-drama, typically performed by two young girls who enter a trance state while women sing and incense is burned. It is believed that the spirit of the nymph Supraba enters the girls, causing them to dance acrobatically, even if they have no prior dance training. The purpose of this dance is to invite Supraba to the village to bless it when evil forces threaten.1

Balinese dance-drama is deeply integrated into local festivals and rituals, serving to maintain community well-being against malevolent spiritual forces. Unlike Western arts, Balinese performances blend drama, dance, music, and song into a unified experience that engages the audience's senses and intellect simultaneously.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Southeast Asian arts - Balinese dance-drama
  2. Barong

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