Legong performance at the Art Festival

Legong is a refined dance form characterized by intricate finger movements, complicated footwork, and expressive gestures and facial expressions.

Legong probably originated in the 19th century as royal entertainment. Legend has it that a prince of Sukawati fell ill and had a vivid dream in which two maidens danced to gamelan music. When he recovered, he arranged for such dances to be performed in reality. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to represent the community as Legong dancers.