Gamelan is the name given to the orchestra accompanying traditional Balinese dances, or more precisely, it is a traditional Indonesian instrumental ensemble (especially specific to Java and Bali) composed mainly of percussion instruments: gongs, metallophones, xylophones, drums, etc.
Tonight's show consisted of 5 types of dances, each detailed in a small booklet that we were given with the ticket. Individual or group dances each had, as is the case in this type of traditional dance, a very particular meaning. The troupe was called "Sadha Budaya", we are lucky it is part of the troupes recommended in the Lonely Planet.
For those who are interested, here is a scan of the booklet in question with the explanations, it is in English, if you want the translation do not hesitate to contact me.
When we arrive we are finally directed to the courtyard, the rain being a part of the party tonight, the dances cannot take place in the temple due to lack of a roof. If we can see a similarity in the costumes with the rest of South-East Asia, the dance itself is different, the play of the eyes is for example an inseparable element of the ballet and is actually quite disconcerting!
