Storytelling through dance
Every year the energetic young students of DanceWorld School of Modern, Jazz & Ballet under the guidance of Sureka Buell take the stage for an evening dedicated to storytelling through dance. This year, teacher and choreographer Sureka has a new theme for her young dancers- Dare, Dream, Dance. “It is about empowering our young girls to be stronger, braver and face whatever challenges head on,” she says, the music and sequences she’s choreographed are all resonant with the idea of girl power.
Pix courtesy DanceWorld
Ninety girls taking the stage between the age group of 5-20 have had a busy year so far. Flying to Los Angeles this April, they were invited to take part in Dance Excellence; a “Festival of Dance” with over 27 Dance Studios from around the world. Twenty three of her dancers flew out and were trained and taught by seasoned experts in the dance field some of whom have worked with artists such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. They also attended workshops run by award winning directors from movies like La La Land and shows such as Glee. For Sureka, the icing on the cake was their return home cinching 5 awards in 5 Catergories for Outstanding Achievement – “something we are truly proud and honoured to achieve – not just for the Studio but representing Sri Lanka as a whole,” she says.
Adding to their busy schedule she admits that the practices have been hectic, but in keeping with her close to perfection performances “the hard work requires discipline and a fierce passion from our girls and I’m proud to say they are giving this show their very best,” she adds.
This year’s edition will find the girls working with props in some of the sequences. “It is something new to my dancers but they are very adoptive and love the challenge.” Together with Shaan Deen her creative director, Sureka and the girls hope to share with audiences what they learned in Los Angeles “so we are giving our audience an insight into the unique experience we shared.”
In addition to performances drenched in emotional epics to heart thumping rhythm to in-your-face attitude, Sureka also wants to open the eyes and minds of the audience to understanding that the Expressive Arts in Sri Lanka is not just about a show on stage – “it’s an instrument for social change, acceptance and discovery of oneself.”
Among the 25 dance numbers look out for performances that shook their American audiences at Disneyland, where they performed. Sureka herself can’t explain the show in a line- “It is a spectacle quite like no other.”
Jazzin’ – Dare, Dream, Dance! Goes on the boards from August 11 – 13 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.Tickets priced at Rs. 4,000 (VIP – Granting access to their Exclusive VIP Lounge), Rs. 3500, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2500,Rs. 2000,Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000 (Balcony).
For more information on tickets log on to facebook.com/danceworldschool or direct purchases can be made at the Lionel Wendt Office.
