Sanghyang Dance is a sacred dance that is usually not for mass spectacle. This dance is traditionally performed when a village is hit by a disaster. It is only held in sacred ceremonies. It is said that this dance has existed since pre-Hindu era in Bali. So this is an ancient Balinese culture that still exists today. The main characteristic of the dance is where the dancers dance without realizing it. The movements of the dancers are controlled by the spirit that enters their body and they usually close their eyes, often perform movements that are impossible for normal humans to do. In this dance there are important elements: smoke or fire, Sanghyang song and the dancers as sacred media. The dancers can be male or female.
Sanghyang dance is a kerauhan (trance) dance due to the possession of a spirit (angel) from heaven and animals that have destructive powers such as wild boars, monkeys, or those with supernatural powers. This dance is a Pre-Hindu cultural heritage which is intended as a repellent to danger, by opening spiritual communication channel by the community members with the supernatural world. This dance is performed by male and female dancers accompanied by male and female choirs singing worship songs. The dance is aimed to save the village from disaster due to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, etc. This dance is not accompanied by gamelan music, but only accompanied by songs or vocals.
In addition to repelling disease outbreaks, this dance is also used as a mean of protection against threats from the power of black magic. This dance, which is a remnant of pre-Hindu culture, is usually danced by two young girls (not yet mature) and are considered sacred. Before being able to dance the Sanghyang, the prospective dancers must avoid taboos, such as: they are not allowed to pass under a clothesline, not allowed to say dirty and rude words, not allowed to lie, and not allowed to steal.
There is one thing that is very interesting in this dance, because the dancers are in the state of trance, they can sometimes do strange things. The dancers can walk over burning coals and then go around the village to ward off disease. Usually this show is done at night until midnight.
Sanghyang Dance has various types, some among others are Sanghyang Dedadri, Sanghyang, Jaran, Sanghyang Sampat and Sanghyang Memedi. It is held only on certain days, unlike other dances that can be held at any time or on every odalan ceremony. The songs accompanying this dance are also of various forms depending on the type of Sanghyang Dance performed.