Dancing and drumming: Bishop’s girls take Hewisi to new heights
A sharp, rich sound pierces the silence. Coming effortlessly from four conch shells, the call to attention slowly gives way to entrancing drumming from the army of drummers behind them. Known as one of the earliest school Hewisi bands when it was set up in the 1960’s, the girls of Bishop’s College will be stepping to traditional beats with ‘Dhwani’ after a couple of years.
All set for Dhwani
The Christmas break has been a hectic one for the Band and members of the Dancing Society. Speaking to us amid the sound of flutes breaking the loud drumming with the Gajaga- Wannama, P.W.T Dian tells us it’s his fourth year training the band and the dancers. One of the first things Dian noticed was that Bishop’s College “is an excellent place for the development of the arts.” Also a visiting lecturer at the University of Jayawardenapura for dancing, he says the freedom and support at Bishop’s College made it possible for him to take the concert Dhwani to a stage in Frankfurt. Much of this year’s troupe were juniors onstage when Dhwani entertained German audiences in 2012.
Dian says his aim is to present a seamless show. “I don’t generally give them allowances for being schoolgirls,” he says, convinced that they have the capability to yield a high standard. The girls go through a tough selection before making it to the squad. “Just like
any other professional dance company.”
Taking on everything from choreography, costume design and training, “Dian Sir” as his students call him feels the biggest strength the girls have is their strong drumming. “My dancers may be petite and feminine but when it comes to drumming, they are second to none, even in comparison to boys,” he smiles.
Dian’s fusion style is the running theme through the acts. Versatile dance items, unorthodox instruments playing traditional tunes are all a part of Dian’s plan. “I did the artistic side of it, but it was the girls who did the managing and organising, much better than I could have.”
Band Leader, Chamathi De Alwis says, “The girls are very committed” which makes practices both fun and productive. It didn’t take too much persuasion for them to cut short their Christmas break. Spending hours in school during holidays has been an interesting experience she feels. “It also has taught us a lot,” adds Secretary of the Dancing Society, Purani Galloluwa. The hectic few days she says have been made easier by their coach.
Dhwani, an evening of oriental dance and music will take place on January 23, at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Featuring the Hewisi Bands of S. Thomas’ College, Trinity College and Methodist College, the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the evening are available at the school and are priced at Rs.750, 500 and Rs.400 for balcony seats.