Taruna Jaya Dance
Taruna Jaya created by I Gede Manik, a very famous dancer from Jagaraga, north bali. He was a student of Pan Wandres and in 1952 he choreographed Taruna Jaya ("Victorius youth") dance out of Legong Kebyar. At that time, it was danced by two women, but today it is usually done as a solo. This dance requires immense energy for the numerous changes in speed, dynamics and mood that the dancer must capture. Taruna jaya describes many moods of a youth: coyness, bashfulness, irritability, sweetness, and of course, energy. Strong eye movements are a prominent feature, and often include nelik (a wide eyed stare). At one point, the dancer flings her extended cloth to the side and sidles up to the gong player to flirt with him.
He may either resist her advances or play along. The costume (usually dark purple) uses a kind of crown with a unique shape and flowers, a log-sleeved tunic and a cloth pleated on the left side with the end dangling. There are many moments when the dancer picks up the end of the cloth to emphasize a musical point or mood. She also uses a fan to dance.
