'Janger Dancer,' statuette Reviews

I Wayan Rendah has captures the spiritual qualities of a beautiful Janger dancer via the gentle swaying movements of this traditional Balinese dance. The Janger is performed by twelve young girls and twelve young boys who sit in opposing rows, taking turns in singing a local melody. The girls sing a soft harmonious piece swaying gently, contrasting with the sharp yells and angular motions of the boys. The beautiful dancer in this piece conveys a state of spiritual bliss as she curves her waist to the music. Crafted from local suar wood, the dancer's exotic costume is crowned by an elaborate dazzling headdress. In one hand she daintily holds an open fan. br The Janger is an imaginative composition involving dance, music and choral parts, and effectively juxtaposes the gentle and subdued movements of the female dancers against the sharp, dynamic thrusts of the men. It was a folk dance introduced to the island in the thirties. When the dance first came into existence, it spread through the banjars, or dance academies, like fire. Every village had to have a Janger group, and the dance became a popular social event between young boys and girls. NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.