Dance in Bali is more than entertainment—it holds deep sacred and ritual significance. Balinese people believe that ancestral or other entities may be present during performances, especially at festivals or temple events. Some dances, reserved solely for temples, aim to invoke spirits to connect with ancestors. For village entertainment, monks are often present in case performers fall into trance.
Performers embody their roles with “Taksu,” a unique spiritual energy rooted in ancestor respect, reincarnation (Samsara), and the idea that certain individuals are chosen to carry skills and sacred knowledge passed through generations. This quality is rare and highly valued in Balinese society.
