Balinese Dance "Śiwa NaṬarāja" Using Hindu Religious Symbols Displayed Outside the Pura

ABSTRACT This study aims to study the performance of the Śiwa Naṭarāja dance created by Balinese artists using the sacred symbol Śiwa which is performed outside a sacred place in the form of a pura (temple). The focus of this research is concentrated on three aspects, namely (1) the representation of the sacred symbol of Hinduism in the form of Śiwa in the Śiwa Naṭarāja dance performance, (2) the performance of Śiwa Naṭarāja dance outside the area of Hindu holy places, namely pura (temple), and (3) the meaning of the performance Śiwa Naṭarāja dance outside the pura (temple). This research is designed in an interpretive qualitative type and uses Representation Theory in order to provide a sharpening of data analysis. This study found three important findings. First, the Śiwa Naṭarāja dance uses the symbol of God Śiwa as inspiration in artistic creations that are arranged with Balinese dance pattern movements as a model for acculturation of Hindu teachings with Balinese cultural arts. Second, the performance of the Śiwa Naṭarāja dance outside the pira as an artistic expression related to providing entertainment and at the same time strengthening religious values to the audience. Third, the Śiwa Naṭarāja dance outside the pura contains the meaning of inspiration, motivation, and artistic creativity in making spiritual ascent to cosmic awareness which involves nonverbal communication between artists and audiences through dance media