TV Times

TV Times

‘Natmo 2006’ from Rivega
By Randima Attygalle
‘Natmo’ denotes 'a dance to please and bring happiness to a person's senses' and it is exactly what young and versatile dancer Rangika Jeewantha and his students at Rivega Dancing Institute promise the audience of dance-lovers, when 'Natmo 2006' will come alive on March 12 at Tower Hall Maradana.
An undergraduate of University of Kelaniya majoring in Kandyan Dancing, Rangika has proved himself to be a promising dancer having mastered other western modes such as ballroom, classical ballet, jazz and modern tap dancing under many eminent gurus in the field. Emerging 'Level 5 Winner' at the Singapore Summer School held last year, Rangika also possesses international exposure in the art.

‘I acquired a wealth of experience professionally and practical lessons in life such as time management and disciplined team work during my stay in Singapore and I wanted to share them with my students at the academy," explains Rangika who believes that a collective effort like 'Natmo 2006' best manifests it. Comprising 15 items which includes group performances, duets and musical skits, Natmo 2006 is a blend of traditional and contemporary dance. "Since our effort is a fusion of oriental and western features, a wider audience can enjoy it,’ says Rangika adding that an array of Kandyan and low-country, Indian, Punjabi, drum orchestras and other musical skits can delight a foreign audience alike.

According to Rangika, what is unique about this venture is that the audience is treated to a 'blend of east and west' through each item. "We wanted to avoid extremes such as pure traditional and pure western and present the audience with something novel," explains Rangika. For instance, the steps and the costume of the elephant-dancers in traditional Gajaga wannama are inspired by contemporary dancing modes whilst the true essence of the traditional Kandyan dancing is evident in both movements and costume alike in the main dancer. Similarly, the ballet 'Eagle and Girl' will be a blend of Indian and Western dance modes.

Rangika's own dance academy 'Rivega', which was initiated with only two students soon after the completion of his A/Ls, today shelters over 50 students. His main dance troupe which consists of six females and four males (including Rangika) who are seasoned performers will enthrall the audience with 7 items whilst those making their debut, some as young as three years will perform a musical skit together with rest of the young dancers contributing to an assortment of dance items.

Artistically-bent Rangika not only trains his students single-handed, but designs their costumes as well. "I am inspired by lot of traditional as well as foreign dance costumes in designing my own," says Rangika stressing that a costume should not only complement the theme of the dance but assure the comfort of the dancer as well.

In addition to dance, Natmo 2006 will entertain the audience with innovative music of Mahesh Eranga - fusing classical Sri Lankan, Kathak and western beats.

According to Rangika, Natmo 2006 will be a 'forum of learning' in many ways to all the participants. "This is an ideal opportunity for them to learn team spirit, effective decision-taking, working under pressure and retaining contact with an audience through out a performance," stresses he.

Outlining the challenges encountered in a venture of magnitude such as Natmo 2006, Rangika says, "training young children is a Herculean task as they are often restless and one has to be patient in getting them focused.

Obtaining financial assistance is another challenge." Rangika is grateful to his dancing gurus for moulding him into what he is today and all the parents and numerous other individuals who contributed to make Natmo 2006 a reality.
Tickets for Natmo 2006 will be available at the entrance on March 12.

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