Russian School of Ballet and Dancing, the fully fledged Russian Ballet School in Sri Lanka presents the Ballet Theatre of Russia on a biannual basis, as the school’s ballet mainstay among its many dance offerings. Selecting the BMICH main hall which is the best venue for such an event, though the theatre’s sleek, minimalist interior suits the exemplary contemporary ballet programming seen through the years — this year ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’ consists of two sessions segregated according to age. Each session consists of 20 charming ballet items choreographed by Lasni Subasinghe, Galina Pleshakova, Radeesha Bodiyabadu, Vihini Samarasekara, Samantha Samararathne, Niluka Madurawala, Shenaalie Dias, Samindi De Silva, Sandani Peiris and Kavisha Premathilaka.
Describing the long process of creating an aspiring ballerina, choreographer Niluka Madurawala said, “It is actually very difficult to describe. Unlike other dance forms, a ballerina cannot be formed within a few days or months. It is a gradual process of years of hard work, sheer commitment and passion. It is being able to express yourself emotionally and maybe discover other sides of you that you may not normally be able to explore in everyday life”.
The flashy lights, fairy like costumes, hair and make-up, the live, soothing orchestra music, with a mesmerising bunch of ballerinas is really a treat to the sight and magical as a dream. However, to create such a pleasing, perfect sight is not easy without the common-goal of everyone in the team and the energy of everybody wanting the show to be perfect. The energy of course coming from the audience also go hand in hand for the success of the show.
Sandani learnt her very first baby steps of ballet when she was only four years old. From there onwards for her there’s been no turning back. She is now working as an assistant trainer at the Russian School of Ballet and is one of the trainers of ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’ as well as a performer.
“Ballet for me is a passion, as well as freedom” she said with a laugh as she flung her arms dramatically in the air. “A Ballerina’s Tale’ is a big event in my creative career and my creative life as a ballerina,” she added.
As for many young girls who dream of becoming a ballerina, so it was for Dinarli who learnt her ABCs in ballet at a tender age. “I love ballet and it really makes me feel calm and bright,” she said. Dinarli had performed many times on stage and recalling her experience as a ballerina, she says, “Sometimes you can really lose yourself on stage. You just forget everything else and become the movement and the character. Those are the most enjoyable times when it all kind of fall into place and you have a connection with the audience, with your partner and your colleagues. That moment is magical. I’m really excited about the upcoming show and I hope it would add value to my journey as a ballerina.”
Celebrating 19 years since its inception, the Russian School of Ballet currently houses 850 aspiring ballerinas under the guidance of nine ballet instructors namely, Galina , Samantha, Niluka, Radeesha, Lasni, Sadani, Kavishka, Shenaalie and Samindi accredited and guided by the Moscow State Academy of Choreography under the patronage of Oxana Karnovich.
“We are keen on enhancing and upgrading the professionalism and talent of our students in the School and therefore, we get down experienced, professional choreographers from time to time to train our teachers as well as our students. This year’s concert, ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’ will showcase ballerinas starting from age three onwards. The evening is a fusion of classical and modern Russian dance and music elements such as traditional Russian dances, Waltz, Nutcracker, Polka, Beryozka, Doga Waltz, Folk Dances, Tarantella, Baba Yetu, Semionova Ballet, Rainbow Ballerinas, Waltz of Flowers, Sugar Plum Fairy (Modern) Peacock Dance (ballet), Swan Lake Waltz, Spring Waltz, The Queens’, The Dream, Snow White (Russian Ballet), Sleeping Beauty Waltz, Princesses ballet Dance, Waltz of Flowers, Swans, Spanish Dance and many more. We hope it will be an evening to remember,” said Chandi Aluvihare, the Cultural Officer, Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and also the founders of The Russian School of Ballet and Dancing in Sri Lanka.
She extended her sincere gratitude for the guidance of Anastasia Khokhlova, First Secretary, Embassy of Russian Federation and Director, Russian Centre in Colombo and Buddhapriya Ramanayake CEO of Russian Centre, Colombo.
