BARIS

Baris, the warrior dance, in certain versions should only be danced during certain ceremonies in a temple or in a graveyard. It is a group of warriors, lined up by their Petelek commandant, who show their skill in playing and using the weapons. the version names of Baris depend on the weapons they use. Baris Pendet is the one without weapons but flower offerings, to present in the temple ceremony. other versions of Baris are Baris Tumbak (spears), Baris Panah (arrows), Baris Cendekan (short weapon of keris), Baris Presi (round shields) and Baris Jago (cocks). This last version of Baris is only performed during a cremation ceremony. Baris Kekupu (butterflies) is an extraordinary Baris which is danced by a group of girls instead of boys.

Very often Baris is performed as a solo dance. The dancer, wearing an ancient knight costumes, has only a kris for his weapon but that will never drawn out of its scabbard. A solo Baris is only an improvisation dance where the music is fully dominated by the dancer.