The Legong is probably the quinessential Balinese classical dance. The name Legong itself comes from Balinese "Leg" meaning supple grace and "gong" which refers to the gamelan ensemble which accompanies the dance. Having a royal and sacred origin, only pre-pubescent girls were allowed to dance the Legong originally. Perhaps the most popular of all Legong dances is the Legong Keraton which tells a story from the history of East Java in the 12th and 13th century. This Legong Legod Bawa, however, tells a different story. It tells of the struggle between the gods Vishnu and Brahma in their struggle to find Shiva's "Lingga." (less info)