They all love to dance
The cast of ‘Genesis: the Awakening’ come from all walks of life. There’s Tarja, who has danced competitively all her life, Udesha, the Chemistry undergraduate, Ashwini, the marketing researcher, Sandarangi, the journalist and entrepreneur, Pradika, the architect in training and Thanuja, the IT professional. They are just a few faces from the group of dancers who will present the Mesh Academy’s debut show on July 11 and 12, and although they make their bread and butter in wildly different ways, the performers are united by their love for all forms of dance.
At practice: The freedom to explore. Pix by Malaka MP Photography
For Mesh founder and creative director, Umeshi Rajeendra, ‘Genesis’ signifies triumph over adversity; drawing inspiration from a quote that speaks of the same, she says “’Genesis: the Awakening’ will address certain issues pertinent to today’s society and how as humans we find our way through these challenges and gain a sense of appreciation and love for being here, now, ever present and ever engaged to live a beautiful life.”
The show will subtly highlight a few unifying themes that the dancers and their instructor are passionate about, such as equality and justice. “It’s about being yourself and finding your identity,” says Udesha Bopitiya. “You know, not being afraid to share the real you with your audience.” Udesha is currently studying for a Chemistry special degree but has danced since she was very young. “A lot of people ask me why I still continue with dancing even though I’m studying for a degree,” she shares. “I don’t think I can give it up, really. Plus we’ve learnt so many new styles just by rehearsing for this show.”
Many of the show’s dancers declare the African Jazz item to be their favourite. “It’s very lively,” says Sandarangi Perera. “You can really just let go of yourself and your body.” Sandarangi trained in Kandyan dance as a teenager and was introduced to hip hop at the age of 16, when she promptly fell in love with the genre. “I’m predominantly a hip hop dancer still,” she says. “But it’s been so interesting to learn new styles, such as contemporary.”
Contemporary dance is a performance genre that developed during the mid-twentieth century. Originally formed from classical, modern and jazz styles it has since embraced many styles of dance to become a popular tool for expression. The genre is a mainstay at Mesh, as Umeshi qualified in Dance from Denison University in the States with a special affinity for its nuances. Ashwini Satish, a friend from school, is happy to see her realize a long-held dream. Ashwini has spent quite some time working in the commercial dance industry in India. Genesis is less about that, she notes, and more about abstract expression when it comes to the contemporary items. “The things we tackle, such as power and freedom and everyday struggles are very real.”
Pradika Maheswaran qualified in Bharata Natyam-“I had never really danced in another way before,” she admits. “But luckily I take to new things quite easily so it wasn’t as difficult as might be expected! Besides Bharata Natyam is quite emotive and that has definitely helped with taking on the contemporary items, especially the contemporary fusion item.”
Someone who needs little introduction is Tarja de Silva, who has graced many a stage and hall as a talented and versatile Latin American and Ballroom dancer. “This is completely different,” she explains of the show. “I use my body differently, there’s a storyline…it’s been an eye opener for sure.” Tarja revels in being given the freedom to interpret dance as she perceives it, and says “it’s all about the technique!”
Thanuja Fernando agrees. “It’s very exciting to be learning new styles especially when we’re speaking about issues that are very close to home,” she says. Thanuja has trained in Latin American dance at the beginner level and says that this show-if anything-has taught her that “practice makes perfect!”
‘Genesis: the Awakening’ will go on the boards of the British School Auditorium on July 11 and 12 from 7.30 p.m. (tickets available at the venue). Proceeds raised from the show will be directed in part towards the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation.