 by Nilma Dole
Mesmerized by the wonderful peacock moves, one can’t help but wonder
where the inspiration of these stunning dances with brilliant
choreography comes from. “I just sit and brainstorm about how I can
portray my surroundings and experiences with colourful dances”, said one
of the most renowned dancers in Sri Lanka.
 Being humble and down-to-earth in one’s character is rather rare for
a person like Chandana Wickramasinghe who is internationally sought
after for his unique and creative dances. Performing in nearly 50
countries, Chandana with his Dancers Guild are always called for many
events where Sri Lankan dance is showcased to give the world a
delightful treat.
“I started ever since I was 5 years old when my parents enrolled me
in the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Academy”, said Chandana who didn’t really
come from a dance background but had a supportive family. Practising
with dedication and passion, Chandana was so perfect in his grace and
movements that he became one of the best ‘Wes-Banduma’ dancers.
“I studied Kathakali dancing in India and I advise my students to
learn the basics because having a good foundation is essential to know
the true art of dance”, he advised.Today, his dancing troupe, that is
categorised into 3 groups of 30 professional dancers, can be called for
everything from weddings to social functions, corporate events, concerts
and even to enhance Sri Lanka’s image abroad.
“My dancers’ guild primarily focuses on traditional Sri Lankan dances
encompassing Kandyan dancing which centers around the ‘Ves Banduma’, a
southern ritualistic dance called ‘Naga Gurulu’, the fire dance ‘Ginni’
and a comic dance called ‘Salu Paliya’ which reflect true Lankan
identity” said Chandana.
He also teaches the ‘Goyam’ harvest dance, (Raban) drum dance, (Leekeli)
stick dance and Kala with props like water pots being used.” A unique
aspect of Chandana’s dances is the blend of fusion with mainstream
dance. “I want to be creative and original as possible which explains
why I choreograph unusual dances like the Peacock, Elephant, Lotus,
Duck, Cobra, Bee dances with flower dances like ‘kadupul’, ‘with an
orchid’ and the famous ‘Mermaids and Seahorses”.
Explaining his concept, once Chandana was given a mere five minutes
in the International Fashion Forum show held in Mumbai and he had the
formidable task of bringing out a dance item that would cross
international boundaries to make everyone understand. “On the
international platform, it is a challenge to display a dance that is
understood by the world.
Hence, I brainstormed the idea of ‘From the Blue Sky to the Deep Sea’
which was segregated into three segments - Sky, Earth and Water” he
said. He further said, “I started with my Kite dance, then the
traditional Kandyan Bera finally ended up with the Mermaids and
Seahorses dance that was well-received despite the short time span”.
Chandana won several accolades at this milestone event that was even
attended by renowned Hindi actress Juhi Chawla who said that she didn’t
know that Sri Lankans were very talented.
With a smile, Chandana added, “Our most popular dances are Bollywood
theme Nights in India which shows how Sri Lankan talent can even rival
that of India.” One important dance routine that Chandana has developed
and one that has become his signature mark is the ‘Kanya’ dance which is
inspired by the astrological symbol ‘Virgo’. However, Chandana offers
dances more than this with a special Cleopatra dance where a beautiful
woman resembling Cleopatra is brought to Caesar.
 Like a breath of fresh dance ritual, Chandana gives respect and
tributes to Mother Nature, Urumaya (Heritage) and our Sri Lankan
identity by preserving the traditional folklore and culture in dance.
“When I did the choreography for the film ‘ABA’ it was difficult to
decipher how ‘Veddahs’ dance and it involves plenty of research. The
results can be seen on the choreography fight that is turned into a
dance in the film”, he said.
Performing at mega shows for Bathiya and Santhush, Latha Walpola,
Kasun Kalhara, Chandimal and the Second Connection and for Indian
musicals like ‘Jodha Akbar’ and ‘Ravana’ with the Aroshee Arts Center,
Chandana has proved that dance is a language understood by all. “Dancing
only needs movement to be expressed for action speak louder than words”,
he said.
Since the inception of his dance troupe, he has built a good
reputation for innovation and creative work that is unmatched anywhere.
Chandana said “A distinctive style of performance and committed ensemble
who don’t lock horns with one other is the secret to our success”.
Appreciating his friend in dancing, Chandana said, “I acknowledge
Channa Wijewardena for creating a name for Sri Lanka’s Dance Culture by
making it a successful job for dancers everywhere.” Chandana is married
to Dilhani and is blessed with a daughter and twin sons, and he is
definitely living the lovely life.nce everyday.
Pix: Chinthaka Kumarasinghe
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