 
 Welcome to the magic island of Bali |
Visitor to Bali should leave the island without first seeing some of its
diverse dances and drama. An important part of Balinese culture, dance
and drama are regarded as expression of devotion to the gods and means
of infusing the younger generation with old values. Most of today's Balinese
dances originates from Java ; only a handful are indigenous dances such
as the rejang, baris and pendet. Historical records from the ninth centery
also named the wayang ( puppet theatre ) and topeng ( mask dance ) as the
main entertainment of the day. Javanese influences from Java started infiltrating
into Bali in the 14h century when it was conquered by Gajah Mada, a power
general of the Majapahit Empire. Court nobles and courtiers began to settlle
in Bali, bringing them with their dance and drama which was absorbed by
the local population.
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