The rhythm of the gamelan begins, initiating the Legong dance.
Fingers flutter in and out of darkness, performing a dance of its own. Piercing eyes dart from side to side while cunning glares and blank expressions interject one another erratically.
As if possessed, the young maidens of Bali execute the hypnotically beautiful Legong with no less than 92 intricate movements.
Performed by preadolescent girls, Legong is vigorously taught to starlets as young as three.
Only a handful of the finest are picked to perform at five and they usually retire by 18, marrying wealthy merchants or Balinese royalty.