Kecak Dance

This dance is performed by many (dozens or more) male dancers who sit in a circle and with a certain rhythm call "cak" and raise both hands, depicting the story of the Ramayana when a line of monkeys helped Rama fight Ravana. One of the characteristics of the Kecak dance is the use of the sound "cak" which is continuously made by male dancers in a circle formation. This "cak" sound is an important element in this dance and gives a unique impression and accompanies dynamic dance movements. The main uniqueness of the Kecak Dance lies in the stories told in each performance. One of the stories that is often shown is the Ramayana story which is presented through dramatic and emotional dance movements. Quoting the Spice Trail from the Ministry of Education and Culture website, the Kecak dance has its roots in the Sang Hyang ritual, which is a tradition where dancers dance in a state of unconsciousness or trance. It is called the Kecak dance, because when the rhythm of the music is played, the dancers will raise and move their arms while shouting the words "cak ke cak ke cak". The dancers will wear white and black checkered costumes, similar to a checkered pattern.