Balinese Dance Lessons in Ubud: Tips, Costs, and What to Expect

Bali (especially Ubud) has an art scene unlike anywhere else in Indonesia.

For me, one of the most captivating parts of Balinese culture is its traditional dance. There’s something mesmerizing about the gestures, the finger movements, the expressive eyes.

Watching it for the first time, I was hooked. And my toxic trait is, whenever I see something impressive, I immediately want to try it too, thinking I might be good at it.

So by my third visit, I decided to join a class in Ubud.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about taking Balinese dance lessons in Ubud, including where to go, what to expect, how much it costs, and how to prepare.

Types of traditional Balinese dance

Balinese dance is not one style, but a collection of many, each with its own story and purpose. Here are some of the most popular forms:

• Kecak dance – Often performed at Uluwatu Temple, this fire dance features 50–60 men chanting and moving in trance-like patterns. Adapted from the Ramayana, it originated in the 1930s.
• Pendet dance – A welcoming dance performed by women to greet guests. You’ll see this often at cultural events or ceremonies.
• Barong dance – A UNESCO-recognized performance involving a lion-like creature representing the battle between good and evil.
• Legong kraton dance – Traditionally performed in palaces during religious ceremonies, it tells the story of a captive maiden and a king.
• Tari Puspanjali – My personal favorite: a floral offering dance performed by women, graceful yet powerful, with movements that are captivating to watch. Look at their eyes and fingers!

Where to take Balinese dance lessons in Ubud

Ubud is considered Bali’s cultural hub, filled with art studios, craft shops, and royal palaces. It’s no surprise that it’s also home to many traditional dance schools.

Here are a few places where you can book lessons directly:

• Alam Indah (Nyuhkuning village, behind the Monkey Forest)
• Arma Museum & Resort (Jalan Raya Pengosekan)
• Bali Culture Center (Jalan Br Nyuhkuning)
• Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Center (Jalan Monkey Forest)

For convenience, you can also find Balinese dance lessons on online platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or Klook.

These platforms allow you to read reviews from other travelers, compare prices and class durations, and book ahead to secure a spot, especially during high season.

I picked Semara Rateh on Jalan Kajeng because it was the closest to my accommodation.

How much does a Balinese dance lesson cost?

Costs vary by school and package, and most schools don’t list prices online, so it’s best to call or inquire in person.

Expect to pay at least Rp200,000 (USD 12) for a basic one-hour lesson. Some schools also offer full-day packages with lunch, makeup, and costume rental.

What to wear to a Balinese dance class

Wear something comfortable that won’t restrict your movement. T-shirts, tank tops, or tube tops all work well.

Most Balinese dance costumes resemble tube dresses, so you don’t need to worry about covering your shoulders.

For the bottom, wear a sarong or bring one to drape over your leggings or loose pants during the class.

Avoid jeans, as they can restrict movement (I learned this the hard way). Some schools provide sarongs or even full costume.

What to expect during a lesson

My teacher, Ayu, was patient and encouraging.

She assumed that I was an experienced dancer who was trying to add another dance skill to my repertoire.

I should have warned her that this couldn’t be further from the truth and that I in fact had two left feet. For all I know, they could both be right feet — I can barely tell left from right.

Fortunately for me, my teacher broke the lesson into manageable chunks so I could follow at my own pace.

Despite my total lack of coordination and dancing skills, I managed to learn the two-minute routine (yes, it took me a whole hour to learn a two-minute dance).

The class lasted only an hour, but my legs and arms were sore like I had spent days at the gym. Ayu did it all so effortlessly, while I had to be constantly reminded to bend my legs more, more, more, and more.

At the end of the session, I performed the routine on my own without my teacher dancing along.

So here you go. Enjoy the show, but please excuse my stiffness. I had climbed Mount Batur the day before, and my jeans were tight (excuses, excuses…).

Is taking a Balinese dance class in Bali worth it?

A single lesson probably won’t turn you into a certified Balinese dancer, especially if you have zero dance experience to begin with.

But you might learn one or two short routines, grasp the gestures, hand movements, and expressive facial details that make Balinese dance so unique.

Even if your performance is embarrassingly stiff or wobbly (mine definitely was), the experience itself is rewarding.

You get a hands-on connection to Balinese culture, a fun physical challenge, and a memorable story to take home.

Practical tips

• Choosing a school: Look for reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Scheduling: Classes can range from 1-hour private lessons to long-term courses. Booking in advance is recommended.
• Stretch first, unless you’re a trained dancer, athlete, or under 30.
• Bring water. It can be quite a workout.

FAQs

Do I need prior dance experience to take a Balinese dance class?

No. Most schools welcome beginners. While the dance involves precise hand movements and a lot of squatting, teachers break routines into manageable steps so anyone can follow along.

How long is a typical lesson?

Private one-off lessons usually last 1–2 hours. Full-day immersive packages or long-term lessons are also available for travelers wanting a deeper experience.

Can children or teenagers take Balinese dance lessons?

Yes. Balinese dance schools often teach students of all ages. Many performers start as schoolgirls, so young learners can pick up the movements quickly.

Are the dance classes suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Many schools offer private lessons or small-group sessions.

Can I take lessons if I don’t speak Indonesian?

Yes. Teachers usually demonstrate moves visually. Many speak basic English, and the universal language of movement makes it easy to follow along.

Is it physically challenging?

It can be surprisingly so. Even a short session involves squatting, bending, and maintaining posture. Stretching beforehand helps, and it’s normal if your muscles get sore.

Final thoughts

Taking a Balinese dance lesson in Ubud was way harder than I expected, but also a lot of fun.

My arms and legs were sore, I kept mixing up the moves, and my teacher had to be super patient with me, but by the end, I actually managed the routine, and it felt pretty cool.

Now I have a new party trick that I can show off to anyone who cares to watch.

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For more experiences like this, check out my travel bucket list — it’s full of the immersive adventures I’ve tried (and the ones I’m still dreaming of).

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• Traditional Balinese Costume Photoshoot
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