Rustum, Vasanthi,Roshanthi - taking Dancesport beyond Sri Lanka!

Colombo has taken to Latin and Ballroom dancing in a fashion reminiscent of the tuition-classes flashflood of the eighties. At every turn (that is literally - on every other lamppost) there are signs displaying offers to teach cha-cha, jive, waltz and 'so much more'. And it is no longer contained within the bright lights of Colombo either. With the onslaught of dance shows, talent shows, dancing to accompany singing on television, the gal and the guy in the outskirts are dancing away to a new beat- Latin and Ballroom.

Rustum Yusuf, Vasanthi Wittinton and Roshanthi Nanayakkara, are taking it beyond Sri Lanka's borders. These three dancers will be taking part in the 22nd Singapore International Ballroom Dancing Competition held in Singapore in a few weeks.

Trained by Shiromi Perera, they are members of the Rhythm World Dance Studio (www.rhythmworld.net) and are now at the Gold Level after dancing for the past three years. Shiromi herself has been dancing and training for nearly two decades. She is professionally qualified with the 'Associate' & 'Licentiate' under the UK Dance Body known as 'The National Association for Teachers of Dancing' and 'The International Dance Teachers Association'. She has advanced training in Singapore following a special program under the International Olympic Latin and Ballroom Dance Association.

Rustum, Vasanthi, and Roshanthi have been Shiromi Perera's students completing each Medal level and facing final examinations adjudicated by Aleena Tan (Vice President of the Asia Pacific Dance & Dancesport Council, and an Examiner of the Federal Association of Teachers' of Dancing and Official Examiner for Rhythm World Dance Studio of Sri Lanka).

Vasanthi, Roshanthi and Rustum are keen dancers, constantly working on perfecting technique as well as style in their dancing.Following the syllabus set by international examination bodies, you can find them at practice at the halls of Kalalaya (Baudaloka Mw, Col 7) or the Lions Club (Rajagiriya).

They have enjoyed the experience of taking part in Rhythm World Dancesport Competition and of course the Rhythm World Dinner Dance both held annually.

Accompanied by their trainer Shiromi Perera, these three hopefuls leave for Singapore to participate in the 22nd Singapore International Ballroom Dance Competition on October 25.