Sri Lanka's culture is so closely connected to dance and drama and no function will be complete without displaying a dance or even a drama.As a multi ethnic land boasts of a rich conflux of dance and drama. The two main ethnic groups share two spectacular dance and drama traditions which enrich the fame Sri Lanka has gained in this sphere.
The ancient monarchs had resourced this aspect of our culture for their daily entertainment as well as Bhuddist,religious functions as dance plays a significant role in the many 'perahera's' celebrated throughout the island in the month of Esala ( July-August).
At present the Sinhalese dance is grouped into three factions; Kandyan dancing(Udarata Natum)whic takes its name from the hill capitol Kandy, The low country dance traditions known as 'Pahatharata Natum,' and the mid-country dancing known as 'Sabaragamu Natum,' have their own distinct styles and are a treat to watch.
These dance forms are seen in many functions surrounding the people of the island, be it a wedding,sports events, commercial events and as a recipe to ward off evil spirits, dancing is indispensable and many dance academies have been in existence for a number of years for the sole purpose of educating the citizens of their great heritage.
'Bharata Natyam,' a form of dance derived from South India and widely practiced by the Tamils and a handful of Sinhalese is mainly performed at cultural events, private events and others. Its a vibrant dance form which requires a great deal of facial expression as well.
Dance and drama are interwined as the result is explosive and a wonder to the audience. Dramas which are produced by various academies such as 'Chitrasena kala Ayathanaya,' ' Mihiripenna Dancing Academy,' etc offer the best of both worlds, enmeshing dance and drama to create a dynamic climax. Mainy of these dances cum dramas are staged at the following locations during various periods of the year;
| Tower Rangahala |
Address : Maradana, Colombo 10
Phone : 2 431 878, 2 433 635 |
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Punchi Theatre |
Address : 37 Cotta Road, Colombo 08
Phone : 2 672 121 |
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Bishops College Auditorium |
Address : 15 Boyd Place, Colombo 3
Phone : 4 712 326 |
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Goethe Institut |
Address : 39, Gregory's Road, Colombo 5
Phone : 3 694 562 |
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British Council |
Address : 49 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3
Phone : 2580301 |
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Indian Cultural Centre |
Address : 133 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 4
Phone : 2 5000 14 |
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Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre |
Address : 18 Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7
Phone : 2695794 |
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Russian Centre |
Address : 10, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7
Phone : 2685440 |
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Barefoot Gallery |
Address : 706, Galle Road, Colombo 03
Phone : 2 505 559 |
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Elphinston Theatre |
Address : Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, Maradana
Phone : 2678517 |
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The above locations provide dramas in English as well and and the oppurtunity to view a novel form of dance which has mushroomed during the recent years known as modern dance which is a portrayal of the joint effects of the traditional and modern forms of dance and drama.
Many hotels and tour operators provide guests with the chance to see spectacular dance and drama performances upon request.
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