Entertainment

Sri Lanka's Latin American dance champion

by Mahes Perera

"The Dance of Love' in the Cuban-rhumba rhythm, turned the heat on as Anushan and Sonasha joined by Tilina and Ronasha, moved sensuously and excitingly on stage to the tune of the latin favourite "Besame Mucho"...The occasion was the tenth anniversary celebrations in Sri Lanka and the fortieth anniversary around the world of Oriflame whose cosmetic products are now a lifestyle with not only teenagers but women and men.

What's more on that day the new seductive Power Shine lipstick in stunning, fascinating colours was launched.

"Latin music and dance goes with the launch" commented Anushan when we moved backstage to exchange a few words with this Sri Lankan dancer, who is the Sri Lanka National Champion unbeaten for ten years in Latin American dancing. His rare dedication to his art has carried him thus far. "I love Latin American music.

You get emotionally involved and its different from Ballroom dancing say like dancing the waltz or a quickstep. You ask me why I like Latin? Well let me tell you my body is a Latin body. I love the dance steps, the music, the clothes, it's all very sexy!!" exclaims Anushan while slipping into another silky, open-chest shirt to be ready for the next act.

You've been on this scene of show dancing and championship dancing for quite sometime where does the difference lie?

"Championship dancing demands that you execute certain basic techniques, while choreographed show dancing gives you freedom to work around the steps. I choreographed this show tonight and first thing is I check with the organisers what kind of audience they are expecting - whether they are expecting a young or old audience and I choose popular music familiar to them - like songs by Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Pussycat Dolls or Michael Buble".

Anushan Perera studied his dancing under Cyraine Illangakoon and succeeded in gathering awards as the years moved by. In 2003 he and his dancing partner Charnez were awarded the TOYP - The Outstanding Young Persons of Sri Lanka. Prior to this in 1988-1998 he was the Ten Dance Champion winning the Ballroom and Latin American Championship.

That's not all! In 1997 he won the Singapore International Championship while in 1996 he carried off the Singapore Star Championship.

Anushan and his artistry saw him representing Sri Lanka in Japan, Scotland, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.

This lithe and exciting dancer for whom Latin dancing is second nature comments that internationally the schools have dancing as a subject to help build up competitors for the future Olympic dancesport competition. Sri Lanka he feels should do the same.

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 Leading music lights on stage
Music and entertainment at the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2006 held on August 9 at the BMICH was on another level and appreciated by the audience.

The group Ultimate led by Sudu Goonasekera was in swinging action with guests performers Sunil Perera and Ronnie Leitch who sang as well as perfomed skits. Colourful dance sequences were by Upekha group.

Saamaye Arunalu 2

Lankika and the Golden Chimes will be in live action at the Saamaye Arunalu 2 Musical concert on Saturday September 1 at the Holy Emmanuel Parish Hall, Moratuwa.

The musical put together by Lankika will showcase leading lights from Moratuwa like Annesley Malawana, Keerthi Pasquel, Anil Bhareti and taking part will be Mariazelle, Merril Fernando, Anuradha Mendis, Clinton Fernando, Thilak Perera and Isuri Andrew. Dancing sequences as introduced by Lankika will be by the Kanani and Jayagra dance troupes.

"The proceeds" says Lankika "will be channelled to the proposed Sunday School New Building fund and also to the scholarship fund for the needy children. Lankika and the Golden Chimes is a popular band on the Southern circuit, playing for many weddings, dances and special functions.

Led by bassist Chanaka the band's repertoire is wide with a comprehensive repertoire of Sri Lankan music as well as the music and songs from the western pop charts. The Golden Chimes members are versatile in the sense that some of the members are multi-instrumentalists which is useful and you will agree gives the band a special sound, characteristic of the Golden Chimes.

MP

Horton Plains - the song was a winner

Singing an original song titled Horton Plains turned out to be a winner for Priyanjala Rowell who carried off the award for the All Island Winner - Vocal Solo, Own Choice, 26 year over category, at the Sri Lankan Festival for the Performing Arts (2007).

The Association is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech. The festival was held on June 26 at the Russian Cultural Centre.

An English teacher by profession, Priyanjala indulges in composing songs and singing as a hobby which gives her immense pleasure. In the photograph, Priyanjala is seen with the adjudicator Kate Elmitt - LRAM, ARCM, ARAM, Reifeprufang.