#066: Kecak!
"chak-a-chak-a-chak"
Picking up where I left off in the previous post and continuing our adventure in Bali, I wanted to share a little something extra that really encapsulated the island's spirit. As you know, taking the kids on holiday means a lot of juggling, and while I managed some precious moments exploring with the camera on the streets and beaches, some of the most memorable experiences sometimes just happen right where you are.
One evening at the hotel - we stayed at the Club Med, Nusa Dua - as dusk settled and the tropical air grew heavy, there was a buzz of activity. People ending their dinner sessions began heading towards a beautiful Balinese courtyard in the hotel grounds, lit up by very few lights, where a condensed version of the famed Kecak dance was about to begin. It was not advertised as a full performance, but even this short rendition, I’d have to say, was absolutely captivating.
There was no elaborate stage, just the open-air theatre-style courtyard, the backdrop framed by the island’s traditional architecture. The master of ceremonies announced the show, telling us the background of the dances and what to expect. Then the dancers, adorned in their distinctive checked sarongs, sat down before us on the stage. What you’ll immediately discover about Kecak is the sheer power of the male chorus, the "monkey chant" — a rhythmic, interlocking "chak-a-chak-a-chak" sound that builds and swells, creating an almost hypnotic, primal atmosphere. The kids in the audience found it amusing, but it is a true art form, taken seriously by its performers. As advertised, it was a stripped-down version, without the sprawling epic narrative, but the core essence was there: the incredible vocal work, the synchronised arm movements, and the intense focus of the performers, and visually impressive, the costumes of the main characters.
It was a beautiful reminder that even in brief, spontaneous moments, the magic of Balinese culture shines through. It made me wish I'd had the chance to truly dive into one of the longer, full-scale performances, but for now, and with the kids, this glimpse was a wonderful, unexpected gift.
I only managed to grab a couple of quick shots, allowing me to test the low-light capabilities of the Nikon ZF, trying to capture the action without disturbing the moment. Photos are a little bit grainy, slightly soft focus and colours, but it works, given the circumstances.
Enjoy the show.
Cheers.
