LEGONG DANCE

The Legong Dance is a pure classical form designed to interpret the music which it accompanies by enacting a story taken from the mythical Malat.

Here are two legongs represent Prince Lasem and Princess Rangkesari.
The Prince has forcibly adducted the Princess, but she resists his advances. On learning of the impending approach of her betrothed, the Crown Prince of Kahuripan, she begs Prince Lasem to set her free and so avoid a fight. He refures and goes out to meet Kahuripan.

On the way he encounters a raven, a bird of ill omen, but taking no heed of his warning he chases the bird away and proceeds to fight Kahuripan, who kills him in the fight that ensues. The dancers enact the various characters in the story by their motions only, the text being recited by a storyteller while the dancing proceeds.