The countdown has begun for Rangabhiseka-16, the debut of six talented young artistes, students of the Prof. Mudiyanse Dissanayake Arts Foundation, an institution committed to the advancement of traditional dances of Sri Lanka. (Mudiyanse Dissanayake is the first Professor of Dance in Sri Lanka). The event will be held on March 11, 2019, in the main auditorium of the BMICH, Colombo.
The evening will be a collective effort by these young artistes and will showcase the pulsating and vibrant rhythms and uniqueness of traditional Kandyan dancing.
The six artistes are still schooling and are in different age groups following different streams of study. However, they share a common love and passion deep in their souls for traditional dancing. "Most of the items we will present at Rangabhiseka 16 are very traditional", they say in unison.
Onali Gunara Amarasinghe is a student of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo who is awaiting results of G.C.E (O/L) examination. This energetic girl is not only an able Kandyan dancer but is also a swimmer" I simply love Kandyan dancing", says Onali.
Anghi Sulakshana Wegodapola,
a student of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo is currently studying in the G.C.E. (A/L) science stream. This young artiste believes that traditional Kandyan charm adds personality to her tall physique. "This event will be a lifetime experience for me and my mother, who is also a student of Prof. Mudiyanse Dissanayake. I realised that daily practices gradually turned me into a good Kandyan dancer", says Anghi.
"Participation in this event has brought me out of my shell", declares Inuri Rymalka Mudalige, a student of Sirimavo Balika Vidyalaya. She is determined to gain the best benefits of dancing under the guidance of Prof. Dissanayake, her mentor and transform herself in body and mind to be a great dancer with much personality and style.
"This is a good opportunity to prove and showcase our talents. It also promotes interaction with many people", says Sinali Linara Premawansa. She firmly believes that Kandyan dancing brings peace and serenity to one's soul. So, for her dancing is not only a physical activity but is also a means achieving harmony and serenity in her day-to-day life. She is a student of Devi Balika Vidyalaya and hopes to sit for her G.C.E. (O/L) soon.
"A childhood dream has come true for I really wanted to be a skillful traditional dancer," says Pavani Bagya Wedage, a student of St. Paul's Balika Vidyalaya, Milagiriya. She believes that the inherent goodness in traditional dancing will help her to mould her life to become not only a skilled dancer but a worthy member of society.
K.A. Taruka Kalpani Silva is a student of Visaka Vidyalaya. “Traditional Kandyan dancing is a great experience as it transforms us into a wholesome person", says Tharuka. She is very much into leadership training and believes that dancing would enhance her leadership qualities.
The young dancers gratefully acknowledge their gurus and pay homage to them. " We owe what we are today to our Master and Madam Nishadi. Without their guidance we would never have come this far," they say.