Naomi returns with ‘Resurrection’
Naomi Rajaratnam: Rekindling her passion for dance. Pix by Sameera Weerasekera
Dance fans can look forward to a contemporary dance extravaganza, produced by well known dancer, Naomi Rajaratnam reviving her series of dance productions “With My Feet” after nearly a decade.
The show titled ‘Resurrection’ will be staged on August 26 and 27 at the Bishop’s College auditorium at 7.30 p.m.
“The title is very much connected to my own life in which I did not engage in dancing for nine years since my last show,“Living Stones” in 2008. It was Kirby de Lanerolle and his wife Fiona of Works of Wonder (a globally growing movement which empowers Christians to grow and glow in the Word of God), who really encouraged me to follow the will of my life. Interestingly, this is a real resurrection not only for me but for most of my students who are performing since they have also not been dancing for nearly one or two decades,” says Naomi.
The show will feature a fusion of dance routines ranging from rock and roll and jazz to hip hop, ballet, ballroom, Latin American, contemporary and freestyle. Naomi’s “Resurrection” troupe comprises both Sri Lankan and international dancers–Melisa Fisher, a professional senior cheerleader from the United States, senior dancers Manuja Siriwardene and Kushan Seneviratne, Johann Peiris along with the contribution of Kevin Nugara, founder of El Latino Dance Academy, Gayan Pradeep and the “Royal Warriors” Dance Crew.
“It is very interesting to put all forms of dancing together otherwise it would be a one dimensional show. The audience will witness an amalgamation of styles here,” Naomi explains.
“Resurrection” is the 6th in a series of shows in which all the proceeds have been donated to Devsiri Sevana Elders’ Home in Welisara, where admission and care for the elders is free of charge irrespective of race and religion. “They truly care for destitute elders. Whenever I do a show I will always do it in aid of Devsiri Sevana,” Naomi says.
Interested in dancing from a very young age, at school at Bishop’s College,Colombo, she learned ballet and tap dancing under the guidance of Timmy Ingleton, professional ballet dancer and teacher.
Naomi also learned Latin, Ballroom, jazz, aerobics and contemporary dance not forgetting the years of Kandyan dancing at the Chitrasena- Vajira Dance Foundation. “Even though I was taught various dance forms, ballet would be my core style of teaching,” Naomi says.
Back to dance: It’s a resurrection too for some of Naomi’s students who will be performing after a long break
A professional Latin American dancer, Kushan Seneviratne, says being Naomi’s student, is a somewhat terrifying experience given her quest for perfection yet she treats her students as her own children. She has an eye for artistic choreography and the ability to create sophisticated styles.Naomi’s knowledge in dancing is a given gift,” Kushan states. “We are usually shy to tell all these to her,” he adds as an afterthought.
Johann Peiris, skilled dancer and hairstylist who has been in the dancing arena with Naomi for around 27 years apart from almost reaching the top of Mt. Everest last year says, “Naomi is a real taskmaster. When she sees the potential in someone she draws out that talent and gets the maximum out of it.”
“Dance has always been a passion in my life. Something I always wanted to learn and then wanted to teach people to get it right. You have to dance not for yourself but for the people who are watching you,” Naomi says, stressing her love for dance.” Dancing always requires a great deal of discipline and sacrifice.”
Tickets and box plan for the show will be available at Bishop’s College Auditorium from the first week of August, priced at Rs. 750, 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4000. Mobitel, Maliban Biscuit Manufacturers Limited, Metro Travels & Tours (Pvt.) Ltd and WOW- Works of Wonder are the main sponsors for the event.