Folk dancing is a wonderful expression of a country's diverse culture and tradition. "But it is very seldom that we focus on this style of our dancing heritage," says Rangika Jeevantha, award-winning oriental and ballet dancer. With the objective of bringing these unique Sri Lankan folk dance styles into the limelight, the students and professional dancers of Rivega Dance Studio, which was founded by Rangika and his twin brother Rangana, will present "Sri Lankan Dance NATMO- 2010" on May 6 at the Lionel Wendt from 7 .pm. onwards.
A fusion of traditional, folk and contemporary styles of dancing which blends with innovative techniques and music compositions plus unusual costume designs, the show will present 12 items based on various themes that have hitherto not been presented by the school in its previous productions.
One of the highlights of the evening- Sankalana will be an experimental dance item which is a fusion of up country, low country, Bharata Natyam, Salsa and Jazz. Yathura; a harvest dance display of rice cultivation, Raksha; a traditional low country dance using face masks, Senpathiyo; a male dance showcasing ancient fighting and up country dance styles will be some of the highlights of the show while Thanama- a crescendo of musical sounds brought together will set the stage for an upcountry traditional dance performance by Rangika and Rangana.
According to Rangika, the production NATMO- 2010 is based on research done for about a year to explore new methods to bring something unusual to the stage. In 2009 at the State Oriental Ballet Festival organised by the Cultural Ministry, two of Rangika's productions won awards in the two Best Elder's Short Ballet and Best Elder's Extended Ballet categories bringing a total of 13 awards altogether. Both Rangana and Rangika were the first set of twins to attain the level of Ves in Sri Lanka, (the highest positions in Kandyan dancing.
Rangika also grabbed the Best Outstanding Performance Award in 2007 at a dancing competition organised by the UK Federation and obtained the second place at the 9th Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Singapore in 2007 and second place in the National Category beating 550 contestants representing various other countries.
Music composition for the forthcoming show is done by Nadeeka Weligodapola while Rangika's dancing guru, the veteran dancer Niloufer Pieris provides assistance in terms of sponsorship and guidance.
Tickets for the show are available at the Lionel Wendt while phone reservations can be made on 0773077756. |
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