Dance Works Centre gears up for ‘Let there be dance’
‘Let there be dance’ by Kanthi Ranchigoda’s dance school the Dance Works Centre will take place next weekend at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Ms Ranchigoda needs little introduction. For over 30-years she has inducted and trained young hopefuls into a world of poetic movement and rhythm, opening up new possibilities for children who had only known the possibility of conventional careers before.
Her school, has been the stamping ground of young dancers and on occasion their parents (who studied dance under her tutelage and continue the tradition with their daughters and sons). Every two years or so the school stages a production.
Their last show ‘So this is Christmas’ in 2013 explored a magical winter wonderland. This year’s show is more mainstream, taking on different styles of dance to showcase the talents of her students aged a precocious three to a more robust 22.
The concert will features dance genres such as ballet, tap, and contemporary to jazz and hip-hop. We spoke to some of the senior cast members about the show-they were mysterious about what you can expect (the element of surprise always counts when it comes to a dance show, we are told sagely).
Most have been with the school since they were tiny tots. Kendra Gomez 21, who started out when she was just 3 and half years old, says that Dance Works has inculcated a passion for ballet (which remains her favourite) but also encouraged her to explore other genres such as hip-hop, jazz and Bollywood dance.
Similarly Thilini Jayawardana has been with the school since she was three; “I love to dance,” she tells us. “It’s my passion and it’s a great distraction too. If I have something I need to think about I come here and dance it off with aunty.”
Meliza Hassen has trained in classical ballet but says the best thing about this show is that they get to take on genres such as jazz and tap, especially when these items are accompanied by music from Broadway.
Thilini Jayawardena
The seniors are responsible for organizing the show alongside Ms Ranchigoda and will tell you that while things can get hectic, they wouldn’t dream of giving up.
The latter was a sentiment echoed in particular by Elaine Fernandopulle, who says “rehearsals are probably the best bit about preparing for the show.”
The cast have been in rehearsal for the show for just about a year now, due to the large numbers and different genres involved.
Shenia Wijetunge says she loves both the ballet items and hip hop-“ballet for its grace and pointe shoes!” she laughs “And hip hop for the freedom it gives.”
Raeqah Hazari added that audiences can expect a few surprises, especially when it comes to items like the flamenco and the can-can.
The show is organized in aid of SUROL, an organization that has dedicated itself to the upliftment and rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy. Ms Ranchigoda has dedicated proceeds from her school’s shows to the charity ever since she started in the business, and says she looks forward to donating the proceeds from this year’s show once again to a cause close to her heart.
meliza Hassen Shabdeen
‘Let there be dance’ takes place from October 30 to November 1 from 7pm at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets for the show priced at Rs. 2,500, 2,000, 1,000 and 600 (balcony) are available at the Dance Works Centre Studio, 70A, Lauries Road, Colombo 4.
Rochel Wijesuriya
Udesha Bopitiya
Piushani Wathupolagedara
Kendra Gomez