The story of Saliya and Asokamala and what they gave up for their love has found its way to New Zealand. On August 29, the Sri Lankan Dance Academy in Wellington staged a sold out performance of the ballet ‘Sankranthi’ to an enthralled audience.
Well known Sri Lankan artist Mohan Sudusinghe, who danced the role of Prince Saliya, spent several weeks coaching the young students of the dance academy in preparation for the annual event. Their effort paid off, with audiences hailing both Mohan and his partner Ruwangi De Silva for their stellar performances. The roles of Asokamala’s friends and allies were danced by Niroshi Gunawardena, Erandhi Madurapperuma, Ayoni Nandasinghe, Thilini Nanayakkara and Yasassvie Sundarapperuma, while over 45 students joined them to perform various supporting roles.
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| Ruwangi and Mohan |
Ruwangi has long been a student of the founder and current head of dancing and choreography at the academy, Dayani Gonsalkorale. Dayani has been teaching children traditional dance forms for over 30 years. Kandyan, Pahatha-rata and folk dance have all been on the syllabus since the group switched from being a dance troupe to a registered, incorporated society in 2002.
However, SLDA’s work began well before that. “The SLDA’s dance performances can be traced back to December 1973, when six little girls performed a harvest dance on TV in a fund raising Telethon,” says Nihal Gonsalkorale of the Academy.
Today, the Academy’s work continues to be supported by a group of devoted volunteers drawn from the ranks of parents and well-wishers whose activities range from providing food and drink, making props and the handling of sound and lighting for every performance. Most of the costumes, which have drawn comment and praise from audiences over the years are designed and made in Sri Lanka, adds Nihal. |
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