Janger (Balinese: ᬚᬗᬾᬃ) is a traditional Balinese and Osing dance drama performance originated from the Indonesian island of Bali,[1] and commonly performed by Balinese in Bali as well as Osing people in the easternmost region of Java. The term roughly translates to '"infatuation," with a connotation of someone who is madly in love" [2]:97
History
Janger is a social dance created in the 1920s, though its exact date of origin is unknown[3]:17, 161I Madé Kredek claims it 'originated in the village of Menyali, North Bali and the songs featured in it were those of the horse drivers in the area.'[2]:101
Performance
Janger is a 'flirtatious youth group dance'[4]:92 which begins with a tableau vivant and a welcoming song.[3]:161 This is followed by 12 male dancers (kecak) who perform an elaborate routine. When finished, they sit in two rows of six facing each other, and then, a female group (janger) enters the area, sings a traditional folk song,[3]:161 and performs a slower dance with an 'emphasis on fluid, undulating, arm movements'.[2]:100 When finished, they form two lines of six, with the male dancers 'forming a boundary around the playing area.'[3]:161 This opening is followed by a drama, which usually concerns some sort of domestic theme.[3]:162
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