As a result of the Majapahit influences, the Indian epics have been woven in the rich tapestry of dances and the Javanese influence in the wayang has resulted in the recitation of long quotes from the ancient Javanese Kakawin poetry.

The 16th century converted the Javanese to Moslem, resulting in much of the Javanese Hindu culture vanishing from its own land. However, it transformed in Bali, becoming classical Balinese culture.

The rural courts were defeated and replaced with new lords of the land, shifting the center of creativity to village associations and to the development of tourism. The Balinese cultural dance was in its excessive activities especially during the 1930's and 1950's.

The fertile decades helped survive the old narrativeled theatre while letting loose solo dances to develop almost everywhere, accompanied by a new, dynamic kind of music called gong kebyar.

This trend continued in the 1960's and 1970's with the creation of colossal sendratari ballets, representing ancient Indian and Javanese stories adapted to the needs of modern audiences.