Latin dance - her forte

by Mahes PERERA

Michiko

The names Martha Graham or Alwin Ailey may not strike a chord with you, but to Michiko the names opened up a dance world that spurred her to become the Sri Lankan National Champion in Latin American and contemporary dance. Her fabulous dance sequences with her partner Anushan Perera were moments that were looked forward to by audiences young or old. Michiko's sensitive and expressive movements proved to us that her commitment in dancing was intense and she left no stone unturned when she choreographed her routines solo or in collaboration with her partner Anushan.

"Talking of championships we held the Sri Lankan National Championship for seven years in the 90s to early 2000 in Latin American dance. In Singapore we grabbed two wins for Sri Lanka, in Thailand we won one and in Hong Kong we were in the final 5. The dancing was of a high standard and we told ourselves we had to win!" reveals Michiko flashing that attractive smile of her which has always been a successful asset in her rapport with people.

Michiko had barely turned the tender age of five when she commenced learning western classical ballet with Oosha and proudly claims that when she was fourteen years she began to dance professionally! "When I was studying at Wycherely International School, the management decided to stage 'Fame' and I was moulded into being a contempory dancer by Kulsum. My interest was kindled and my visions of becoming a solo dancer in the spotlight or with a partner took a strong hold on me. I decided to further study my ballet in London and I joined the London Contemporary School, danced 'back up' at the Pineapple Studio and learnt several useful lessons towards making a career out of dancing. Back home I was happy teaming up with Johan Jurie and Anushan Perera and dancing duets for concerts and special occasions. We were much in demand for Latin spots, including the Argentinian tango which will always have a special attraction with dancers, because its fiery and intimate in expression."

Now that you are in Hawaii don't you miss Sri Lanka, our stages and your fans?

Michiko and Anushan

"Yes, I do. As I tell everyone and this is no exaggeration there's no place like Sri Lanka. I was waiting eagerly to come back and now that I'm here the days are flying by and I feel sad I've got to leave everything and jet off. I teach Latin dance, Hula and the Flamingo. My advice to the young is that everyone of them should learn dance. Because it gives you a confidence and you acquire a carriage that will carry you through life facing adversities with ease. You have to have a passion for dancing and you will find the rest will fall into place in your life. When I left dancing was of a pretty high standard here in Sri Lanka."

What are your future plans for your Sri Lankan fans?

"I'm making plans to put on my own show choreographed by me and the programme will contain classical, Latin and Broadway. I would love to work with the guys and girls I worked with in Sri Lanka. There are good dancers in our country considering the fact that we don't have an academy on the professional lines you find abroad. There's a lot of advancement in choreography that is unbelievable."

Now in Hawaii do you have opportunities to perform?

"I fell in love with the Hula, I perform the dance as well jazz ballet. I miss performing every night like in Sri Lanka, but my husband is very supportive, keeps me going. We have a daughter, three and a half years old, and she needs attention. When I left Sri Lanka for Hawaii I missed Sri Lanka, I found that I was missing people. I first found a church, then a dance studio to keep in touch with my dancing."

Michiko who was well recognised for her Latin dancing here in Sri Lanka with her partner Anushan Perera ended our chat with a few words of advice to our young aspiring dancers. "Try as far as possible to be original. You can't hit on one good choreography and keep repeating it. It is important to keep re-inventing yourself."