Like the movements of the swan or the graceful flight of the butterfly, the Balinese legong dancers glide to the melody of the gamelan, turning their fans and staring their wide-opened eyes in a skillful reflection of the gods - who do not blink. The legong dance is one of Ubud's finest performances. In a charming display of grace, rhythm and with the beauty of the innocence, the young Balinese girls dance together in perfect synchronicity, for the sheer beauty of dance itself. The Legong dance is an expression of Beauty, as seen in the highly detailed costumes, the golden franginpani head-dress, and the dancer's expressive eyes, which move in perfect harmony with the sounds of the gamelan. In Balinese dances, the eyes, highlighted with beautiful rainbow colors, are the focal point of the performance and the primary means of expression for the dancing body. The eyes tell the story of the performance. The story is revealed through "eyes of terror", flirtatious eyes, mischievous eyes, curious eyes, deceitful eyes, and so many other expressions. No words are necessary - the fire within the eyes speak. In Balinese culture, the eyes are the most important sensory organ. Like the familiar expression "the eyes are the mirror to the soul", the Balinese believe the eyes mirror a person's spirit. Originally performed for Balinese Kings in royal palaces, the Legong dance can now be enjoyed by all people.

Dance your way to the Events Calendar to find the next performance.