Sunday Times 2
Taking traditional dance to a global platform
View(s):The Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation hosted an evening of dance on January 18 and 19 to unveil their vision to elevate their traditional dance to a global platform over the next five years.
Performance by the Chitrasena Dance Company
In this well attended event, the Foundation launched an “Endowment Fund” campaign to achieve their bold vision. The Foundation also made an open invitationto all the stakeholders to become engaged over the next five years with them in this project of national importance.
Commenting about the initiative to form an endowment fund, Artistic Director, Chitrasena Dance Company, Heshma Wignaraja said, “The endowment fund is a landmark achievement for us along our way to take traditional dance to one of the finest classical dance forms of the world. Aspiring traditional dancers, in Sri Lanka, cannot pursue a career in dance as it does not provide a sustainable living. Therefore, they need financial support as well as infrastructure and training to be able to commit to a career in dance. This fund is vital for us to establish a Centre for Dance and to maintain activities that will ensure sustainability of our efforts.”
ArunAbey and family making the first pledge to Guru Vajira
Arun Abey, Chairman of ipac Securities Australia, and Patron of the Endowment Campaign, and his family, made the initial pledge of $100,000 to initiate the fundraising effort. In making the presentation to Guru Vajira Chitrasena, Mr. Abey said, “The Chitrasena Kalayathanaya is one of the few places that combine mastery of technique with individual artistry, enabling their artistes to take you to a higher place. It is incumbent on us to ensure that this institution thrives as a vibrant centre for dance, well into the future.”
The Endowment Fund will address setting up of a Centre for Dance, introducing a recognised qualification in the performing arts and forming a cadre of professionally trained traditional dancers and artistes with a sustainable living as key initiatives amongst others.