After taking classes for a month, I am deemed worthy enough to perform the traditional Balinese Welcome Dance in front of a gathering of friends. After adequately performing a dance that any eight year old Balinese girl could do, the following act comes out.

This dance, the Baris Dance, is the performance of warriors. Tense, regal, and quick to action, the dancer must embody the life and values of the traditional warrior. The sudden stomps and whirls show off the elaborate costume. There is no gender or age restriction, and this Baris Dance is performed by a fourteen year old girl.