Pendet Dance was originally a sacred ritual performed in Balinese Hindu temples as an offering to welcome deities descending to the earthly realm.
Over time, Balinese artists transformed it into a welcoming dance while preserving its spiritual essence.
The modern form of Pendet Dance was choreographed by I Wayan Rindi, making it more structured yet still infused with religious significance.
Unlike performance dances that require intensive training, Pendet Dance is accessible to everyone, including priests, both men and women, young and old.
Traditionally, it is learned through direct imitation rather than formal instruction in community halls.
Young girls observe and follow the movements of experienced women who hold the responsibility of setting a proper example.
Characterized by more dynamic movements than the Rejang Dance, Pendet is usually performed in groups or pairs after Rejang.
Dancers, dressed in ceremonial attire, carry ritual items such as sangku (holy water container), kendi (pitcher), and other sacred offerings.
The dance is performed in temple courtyards, facing the sacred shrine (pelinggih), reinforcing its spiritual roots.
The historical records trace the origins of Pendet Dance back to the 1950s, which is widely accepted as its birth period by Balinese performing arts scholars.
In 1961, I Wayan Beratha refined Pendet by incorporating additional movements and increasing the number of dancers.
By 1967, I Wayan Rindi further developed the dance, establishing it as a sacred performance suitable for temple ceremonies.
Initially, it served as an offering to deities residing in the temple during religious rituals.
However, as cultural dynamics evolved, Pendet Dance also became a form of entertainment and a welcoming performance for guests.
Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Pendet Dance holds significant cultural value.
It is performed by women dressed in traditional Balinese attire, carrying flower-filled bokor (offering bowls), canang sari, kawangen, and other ritual objects.
Some dancers hold ceremonial utensils such as sangku, silver bowls, and kendi.
The performance is accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of a gamelan gong and led by a Pemangku (priest), who carries a smoking incense burner (pasepan), creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. (BT)
Image Source; Media Center KTT G20
