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| Sunday, 1 June 2003 |
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by Umangi de Mel
Kalpa and Tharini Navaratne, the youngest couple that took part in the championship not only competed against the well-built adults from all over the world but won 2nd place in both Beginners 1st and 2nd Latin categories in spite of their tiny size and age. Nine year old Tharini and 13 year old Kalpa started dancing on their heels even before they began speaking their first words. "Tharini was just six and Kalpa nine, when they started lessons with Toni and Michelle Ferdinandez at the Antonio's Dance Circle," says Mrs. Navaratne, their mother. According to her, Tharini has been `dancing' around at home when she was just a toddler. "That's when I saw her talent but I wanted her to go in a different direction and I thought of taking her for Latin dancing lessons," says her mom beaming ear to ear. The only hitch had been getting a partner for little Tharini for couple dancing. "Kalpa was very reluctant at first but after watching the others on the dance floor he agreed to partner the sister," she says. Not in the mood to talk, Tharini and Kalpa observe silently. They don't look anything like the duo that shook the floor at the International Championship. Having started taking Latin lessons in '99 August, Tharini and Kalpa had been fast learners since they won the juvenile category at the Dance Sport Championship held in 2000. Nothing could hold the two little stars as they danced their way to snatch the second and third places at the contest held by the Ceylon Amateur Dance Association in 2000. "They were the tiniest couple ," remembers a proud mom. Their next victory was in 2001 when the two stole the first place in the Modern Dancing Championship. The tiny hot steppers in a brown study, suddenly grin at the memories trying not to hide their pride.
"In 2002, I had to take them to Singapore for the 15th International Ballroom Dancing Championship in which they secured the 6th place having competed against 20 odd contestants out of 36 countries," mom says. But it was only in 2003, the locals actually got the break to see the two of them in action. Dancing among others who were easily double their size, (and age) the two stole the show in a split second. "They got second places in both beginners 1 Latin and Beginners 2 Latin categories," mom says adding that she has to take the two to Singapore once again in October for the 16th Ceylon Amateur Dance Association Championship. After what seemed like eternity, the two champs join the conversation. "It was Toni and Michelle Ferdinandez, our instructors that helped us a lot to be what we are today. Seeing other children on the dance floor was yet another inspiration but Toni and Michelle would always give us their best and total attention," Kalpa says. He says that the two of them weren't afraid or nervous at the very first competition in which they were placed first. "We knew the crowd who were supposed to compete with us and we were sure we'd get one of the three places although we weren't desperate to win. But we messed up a bit in the contest held in 2001 as we were the only small ones," he says adding that despite their failure they won the Waltz, (Junior Modern Category). Kalpa says it's important to keep a cool head and enjoy the steps, "You shouldn't panic, even if a step goes wrong you should be able to carry on as we are marked for the way we play it." And finally Tharini finds her voice. "Whenever I go for a competition I hope and pray to win but I guess I can take it even if I don't," a brave little thing she is, Tharini seems to be the centre of attention at home. "She always promises to win," the mom chips in. Revealing the fact that she was a `bit' scared at the recently concluded DanceSport event to dance with the well-experienced, almost six footers, Tharini says nevertheless they managed to be among the six couples who were selected for the final round. "But I made up my mind to win somehow and we had a hunch we'd get a place," she says.
Students at Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and Mahanama College, Kollupitiya, the two have obtained permission from the schools to continue their hobby. "My sister likes dancing a lot but I try to balance both school work and dancing," Kalpa says sounding quite mature for his age. "My ambition is to become a pilot, dancing's just my hobby," he says that he gives priority to studies while Tharini says she wants to be a Veterinary surgeon. "Both have done their scholarship exams well and they are pros at chess," says mom. Kalpa plays Badminton, collects stamps and is interested in archaeological excavations. Tharini on the other hand, is supposed to be a good cook. "She can cook as well as she can dance. She cooks dishes like chicken and bakes cakes," mom says with gleaming eyes. Getting back to Quick Step, Salsa and Rumba, mom says she tries her best to provide them with the stuff required. "Thanks to their instructors, class fee isn't much but other expenses can be out of our reach at times. Dancing shoes which can only be worn only once can be pretty expensive," she says. According to her, their dresses are designed and made by Lou Chin Wong while `Tammy' does hair and make up. "and going abroad with the two for competitions cost me quite a packet," she says adding that it would be a great help if she could find a sponsor. Talking about seniors in the class, Kalpa says their dancing mates are very supportive, "They watch us and teach us when a step goes wrong. We are a united bunch," he says. According to their mother the two who have stolen the lime light to dance till dawn are very religious. "I take them to observe sil every poya day to the `Vipassana' meditation centre. They can dance when they may but I want them to be good citizens and lead a good life at home, school and in society," says their mother. |
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Toe tapping music blaring in the background and the competitors in the
final round grace the dance floor at the Footwork International Dance
Sport Championship, 2003 held a month ago. Couples walk in as their names
are read out, some are slender and athletic, none are stocky or beefy but
my eyes fell on a little one looking unbelievably `undersized' or rather
too tiny to even be on the dance floor let alone compete.
