This was our first Bali traditional dance show. We were surprised by the 20 men playing traditional instruments, creepy masks, intricate colorful costumes, animals (a weird lion and child monkey), a death scene, cheesy audience-member- dragged-up-for-a -dance moment, and buggy eyed dancing girls. It was so far removed from what we were used to! English pamphlets helped 'explain' the story but let's say we were terribly confused still.

We went to a second dance that was held at Ubud Palace. We were late and had to sit behind the dancers and musicians. The facial expression, wide eyes, and finger movements of the dancers were creepy! The costumes were so elaborate and heavy looking. Many dance troupes performed different traditional Balinese dances at various venues each night of the week. Tickets ranged from $7 - $9 each.

The Fire Dance the next day was hot and packed. Fifty men chanted and swayed in unison while the traditional story of Ramayana was acted out. Entrancing! The heat and kerosene smoke from the fire lamps, full room, and wooden seats were too much to take for 90 min though so I left early. You couldn't even tell where the choir ended and audience started. The actors could barely move around. I held my breath when they walked near a lamp, in fear that their costumes would catch on flames! This dance would have been amazing in an outdoor space.

After much Googling, I still couldn't find out what festival the town was celebrating at 7.30pm that evening. Festivals may often be regional, possibly even only in one village. Stage and temple preparations shut down roads making traffic congestion terrible for the day tourists. Worshippers from everywhere came throughout the day in their beautiful outfits, carrying their woven offering baskets. The actual celebration started at 7pm and went until 3am! The crowds of turbaned men and women with colored lace tops were astounding!