Devdan, a night of dance and culture

We have just returned from another trip to Bali and one of the highlights of this trip was the stage performance spectacular, Devdan Show, a night of dance and culture.

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Dance and Indonesian culture go hand in hand, and this show highlights Indonesia’s varying cultures in the Treasure of the Archipelago. Story telling is an important part of Indonesian dance and Devdan is no exception.

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The vibrant, colourful spectacle of Devdan is a dynamic fusion of traditional and modern dance with gymnastics and aerobatics. The 90 minute performance is a magical whirlwind tour taking the audience across the Indonesian Archipelago including Bali, Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Papua, highlighting the culture of each island through dance.

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The dazzling costumes worn by the dancers and the hi-tech special effects from the fire scene, rainfall and river running across the stage keep the audience in awe.

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Devdan’s story begins when two young children set themselves apart from a tour group and climb a cliff. Finding a treasure chest, each item they discover in the chest takes them and the audience on a dance journey.

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First, the udeng, a man’s headdress takes us to Bali. Here the Lesung dance, a traditional performance by village housewives is performed after rice harvest time and see a Balinese village ablaze with fire. A beautiful handmade textile cloth called Songket takes us to Sumatra for the weaving dance, rain dance bringing torrential rain pouring down inside the theatre and acrobatic flag dance. The Kris takes us to Java for the warrior dance, bedhaya dance, some shadow puppetry and a hip hop dance. Next we are taken to a sleepy fishing village in Borneo with the aerophone mussel horn where a flying maiden trapped in a net skilfully glides through the air, followed by a duo aerial strap and water dance. Finally the Koteka, a symbol of Papua brings a typical Papuan traditional house, an upbeat Papuan tribal dance and finally a spectacular fire dance.

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Throughout the show there are two screens that display information regarding the region and dance story. We were provided with a behind the scenes tour before the show and permitted to take photos during the show, but no video. During the final encore permission is granted for all patrons to take photos and video.

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Located in Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, the fully airconditioned complex has a seating capacity of 700. When the doors opened and we were welcomed to the theatre, each of us posed for an entry photo prior to being escorted to our seats. After the show we took our own souvenir pictures with the cast.

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Devdan is a perfect way to understand the Indonesian culture being entertained by the colourful spectacle of dance. The cost of tickets for the show includes return transfers from hotels throughout Bali and performances are held four days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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In travel we learn about different cultures and this big production with its spectacular costumes, riveting dance with intricately synchronized movements is simply amazing to watch. Add the theatrics of remarkable aerial acrobatics, the illusion of special effects and energy from modern contemporary dance, set in a complex with state of the art stage, sound and lighting systems and you have a dynamic and entertaining show that will take your breath away.

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Are you a lover of musicals and big production numbers? Does this sound like a great way to learn more about the lesser known Indonesian cultures and different regions?

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17 Responses

  1. Chloe says:

    This is so beautiful!! It reminds me a lot of Cirque De Soilel!!! I love shows and dances like this, it’s amazing how talented the dances are!! Always great and unique performances.

  2. Kyle says:

    Can’t believe I missed this when I was there … won’t make that mistake next time!

  3. Fantastic captures in the dark. I never seem to be able to capture my subject well in the dark. So glad you enjoyed the show Lyn.

  4. I don’t do these kinds of things, but must admit it looks real cool! #wkendtravelinspiration

  5. eileen g says:

    i can’t imagine anything this high-tech and sophisticated in the Bali we visited. But it looks fun! glad you got to see it.

  6. Wow! It looks like you had a great time in Bali. I love extravaganza type shows.
    Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields recently posted…A Ghost Tour at Q Station, ManlyMy Profile

  7. This has really made me want to return to Bali, we didn’t have time to see any shows when we were there and clearly we missed out!
    Suze Luxury Columnist recently posted…On Top of the World at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & SpaMy Profile

  8. jill says:

    Looks fantastic! I prefer stage shows over movies or tv anyday – and a stage show in Bali would be more than awesome!

  9. Isabel says:

    This is amazing!!

  10. Cathy says:

    Incredible performance. The acrobatics on the ribbons are incredible.
    Cathy recently posted…Gift of Life – Journey Through The Ngorongoro CraterMy Profile

  11. What a fabulous experience. As an ex dancer I’m always interested how dance is ingrained into other cultures and this looked like it was a wonderful interpretation of history and styles. Your photos are great too #flyawayfriday

  12. Dean says:

    The show looks fantastic Lyn. We saw something similar in Thailand at Phuket Fantasea and also in Mexico. It’s a fun way to learn a bit of history too.

  13. budget jan says:

    Wow dance has changed a lot since we were in Bali – admittedly the last time we were there we were 24 years old lol. Looks fantastic.

  14. Michele says:

    Looks amazing we went to a show in Bali years ago when they followed the history of Bali and it’s people…this looks similar and of equal quality. Great photos I can never capture ones at shows )I think I get involved and forget)
    Michele recently posted…Marvelous MalmesburyMy Profile

  1. […] visit to Bali would be complete without seeing a Balinese dance, an ancient art form which narrates myths, legends and religious […]

  2. […] We can’t recommend Devdan enough, this high energy visual dance tour of Indonesia’s culture and diversity is a definite must see when in Bali. We are sure you will be entertained by this vibrant, colourful dance spectacular just like we were. […]

  3. […] October · Devdan, remarkable aerial acrobatics, a fusion of traditional and modern dance and a perfect way to learn […]

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