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| Sunday, 5 December 2004 |
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Amazing grace by Umangi de Mel Come December, the whole planet awaits Christmas. Once again George Michael sings 'Last Christmas' on Radio, Television puts out the most catchy jingles and more twirling and pirouetting happens on stage.
"It's the first time I'm doing a Christmas show. The first half is the spirit of Christmas followed by dance and fantasy that come alive after midnight. I've done everything in the form of dancing", says Kanthi Ranchigoda speaking of the show. Having taught dancing for the past 23 years, Kanthi has over 100 pupils learning under her. A dancer since the age of five, dance was nothing new to Kanthi's family. "We come from a family of 14 and we all danced but I'm the one who stuck to it". Having indulged in twisting and pirouetting for a couple dozen years, dance has become her ultimate passion.
"There, I followed up teachers' courses. All my previous shows have had a good response. I think it's all about dedication. As a student, I loved dancing and I've been dancing and dancing. Now as a teacher I feel that I still have some more to go as a dancer. You never stop, there's so much to learn," she says. Enjoying her career as a dance teacher, Kanthi Ranchigoda keeps mum about her moments of glory. Refusing to talk further about her side of the story, Kanthi switches the topic to talk about the benefits of dancing. Dance helps both physical and psychological fitness, says Kanthi. "You can have all the problems in the world, but still be able to get on with life". Constant twisting and pirouetting improve the poise and one may be blessed with a curvaceous body to die for. "Dance helps you to hold yourself up nicely and posture is very important. I'd like them to have a good turn out as in a good stance a good placement of body". There's no short-cuts in dance, says Kanthi. She explains that it's a discipline that has so much to offer the young learners. "Also the technique is very important in dancing", she points out. Quick, yet subtle movements of graceful dancers actually make you wonder about the physical flexibility of a person. Talking about the general interest Sri Lankans have for dancing, Kanthi says, that some of her students are just pushed to dance by parents, "And some do it for the love of it and for some, it's a hobby.
Talking about her students, a proud Kanthi says that her senior pupils have improved and picked up a lot over the years, "The smaller lot is up and coming. But I don't know how many people will take it up as a career since they've got so many other things to accomplish as well". A dancer maybe strong and agile and be focused enough to do other work as well. "It's always better to start when you are young. They're able to learn fast as they find it difficult to coordinate and their bodies may be stiff", Kanthi says. She says it's nice working with the young crowd and seeing their developments after a show, "It's quite a satisfaction. They come to you as novices and with time, they catch up. And seeing them doing what you taught them to do could be a nice experience". Her students talk about their passion, dancing. Michelle (19) I've been dancing for the past so many years as I joined at eleven. It's been great learning what you love and we've improved a lot. I learn stuff like Jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, free style and modern dancing. We've been performing since '89. The response has always been good. We are taught many new stuff and Ms. Ranchigoda has a lot of ideas. For me, dancing means something that I enjoy most. It's a hobby that makes me strong and fit. It's something that I might even take up as a profession but we'll have to wait and see. Shiyani (20) I've been dancing for the past 15 years. It's such a significant part of any life since it's the only extra curricular activity that I do on such a serious level. Right throughout my schooling career I've been dancing and never took a break even during O/Ls and A/Ls. Dancing helps me in many ways. Physically I'm fitter and we do warm up and Aerobic sessions in class. It's actually the most fun way to be fit. It helps me to relax and concentrate when I study. Dancing is a passion, a motivation itself. I don't need motivation to get up and get dressed to come for classes. Anushka (17) I've been dancing for 10 years. It's the only physical activity that I do and it's nice to see your own progression. Dancing is discipline and team work. You get to help the younger crowd and it's a well rounded activity. It helps to build your character and teaches tolerance and endurance. Dancing is my life. |
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It's amazing grace and the dancers tiptoe into a world of icicles, snow
balls, Santas, stockings, fire crackers and Christmas cards, welcoming the
seasonal wonders. The spirit of Christmas and Christmas Fantasy, an
evening of Jazz, ballet and modern dancing presented by students of Kanthi
Ranchigoda is being staged at the Lionel Wendt at 7.30 p.m. today with a
repeat show on Dec. 8th. The first show was held yesterday.
Starting off her dancing career at the Mack's school of dancing at five
and Ingleton school of dance, Kanthi went out of the country having felt
that she was getting more involved in dancing.
In Sri Lanka, we've only got a handful of dancing schools such as
Dienna, Oosha and Nilouffer but their productions are very good. They do
the best with their students". She points out that it requires lots
of hard work and dedication and that her students are really doing great.
