Arts

Resurrecting diverse dance

By Oshani Alwis

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On August 26 and 27, dance lovers can look forward to a show that will see on stage a wide variety of dance styles- from Rock and Roll, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballroom and Latin American to Freestyle as celebrated dancer and teacher Naomi Rajaratnam presents ‘Resurrection’. Naomi’s dance extravaganza series started in 2000 ‘With My Feet’ returns to the stage after nine years.

The show will feature various dance forms performed by Naomi’s students, some of whom have been international champions in dance. Naomi herself excelled in classical ballet and has choreographed the different dance routines to showcase her students’ mastery of both the classical and the modern.

Melisa Fisher, a professional contemporary dancer and senior cheerleader from United States is here in Sri Lanka for Naomi’s show. “This show is an actual revival for Naomi and me since we both have not been in the dancing arena for a very long time. I almost quit the practices at one point, but Naomi was extremely patient with me and taught me skills I have never learned before. The passion for dancing re-awoke in me and it’s been an adventure for me since I was even required to learn Kandyan dancing for the show,” Melisa adds.

Naomi Rajaratnam

The audience can also look forward to seeing professional Freestyle and Latin American dancers Manoja Siriwardena and Kushan Seneviratne with Johann Peiris, professional in Ballroom and Latin American styles, who has been a part of Naomi’s shows from the inception, Kevin Nugara, the director of El Latino Dance Academy, Gayan Pradeep and the “Royal Warriers” Dance Crew.

“The audience will witness a mixture of diverse dance styles on stage. It will be a multi dimensional show,” Naomi assures.
This is the sixth in the series of shows Naomi has been doing in aid of Devsiri Sevana Elders’ Home in Welisara.

“Resurrection” goes on the boards on August 26 and 27 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs.750, Rs. 1500, Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000 and Rs. 4000 will be available at the auditorium.