5,555 balinese kecak dancers break muri record

Mangupura, Bali (Antara) - A total of 5,555 high school students, involved in a colossal Kecak dance in Badung Regency, Bali Province, made a world record of the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) at Berawa Beach, Tibubeneng Village.

"MURI appreciates this colossal Kecak dance. It does not only deserve to be a national record but also a world record," MURI Manager Triyono said, when assessing the colossal Kecak dance performance, on Sunday evening.

The Kecak Dance, also called "the monkey chanting dance," was decided to be the world record thanks to the fact that it is a piece of traditional culture and Balinese art that does not exist in any country, he stated.

"Keep up the spirit of work for Indonesia`s national culture," he added.

Meanwhile, Head of Badung District`s Tourism Office, I Made Badra, noted that his staff members appreciated the dance at the "Berawa Beach Art Festival 2018."

"Thank you, people of Tribuneneng and high school students of Badung for your participations in this event," he remarked, adding that the event was expected to help Badung District attract seven million tourists in 2018.

"Besides popularizing Badung District`s name to the world, the colossal Kecak Dance also attracts domestic and foreign tourists," he revealed.

A total of 5,555 dancers made a formation at the edge of Loloan Yeh Poh, Berawa Beach area. They wore black-and-white checkered black cloths like chess boards or `polish pads` with red scarves as the binders in the MURI record.

They started performing the very attractive dance during sunset. Under the command of several instructors, the dancers also made loud and harmonious voices.

Thousands of residents seemed to be entertained and enjoyed the dance.

A high school student in Denpasar, Siva, explained that she had come to Berawa Beach for taking her friend, who had participated in the dance, and also for watching the MURI record.

"This is the first time I am watching the colossal Kecak Dance, and I got goose bumps. But, regarding the light, I think it was too dark. Moreover, I could not see the dancers behind," she elaborated. (*)