Setting the stage for a magic carpet ride
Pics by M.A Pushpakumara
Dance is a therapeutic form of self-expression. As the Principal of The Deanna School of Dancing Natasha Jayasuriya observes, the students seem happier when they engage in it. This is why she and her sister Natalie Jayasuriya (the Vice Principal), along with their mother the founder and Managing Director, Deanna Jayasuriya, have put together ‘Aladdin’ the ballet, which will take place from May 31 to June 3 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium at 4pm.
As the young ballerinas bustle about the school, Natasha takes a moment to share the journey of their upcoming performance with us. She explains that owing to the situation in the country, a certain doubt remained over continuing with the show. Unfortunately they didn’t have the option to postpone because a lot of the children were doing their O/Ls and A/Ls and wouldn’t have been able to participate.
“I also didn’t want to disappoint them, especially with what’s going on,” she tells us.
After much deliberation amongst themselves and with the students and parents, they decided to go ahead with the show because they felt it was something positive for the kids to think about and work towards. “That was very hard, and it’s still hard. Of course we’re having a lot of security and I’m not worried about the show itself in that sense, but daily it is a hard thing for anybody right now.”
Natasha
‘Aladdin the ballet’ is something different to the movie or the cartoon, because the school had to create their own version from the story and adapted it to something that’s original. “I don’t think it’s anything that anybody’s seen before because it has a bit of fun, humour, excitement as well as the overall artistic aspect of these children who have worked so hard to do this performance,” she says.
From a director’s perspective, they tried keep as many elements of the renowned Aladdin story as possible. However as with any ballet, since there is no dialogue, Natasha tells us they had to incorporate other areas to “make the story make sense in the form of ballet.”
Owing to the number of students participating (over 600, as young as 2 years old and upwards) they have had to create more parts within that story. “We wanted to make sure that any child gets the opportunity to take part. So that’s what we’ve done,” Natasha says.
The school’s students with different backgrounds and other activities have found the time to make it for rehearsals, which is especially notable considering the current situation in the country.
“They keep having that excitement when they come into the studio and they leave happy, which is the best thing for me,” Natasha says. She adds this is all they want from the children. “We want them to come, work hard, enjoy and gain the satisfaction from the audience appreciating their hard work.”
The three directors themselves have worked hard on the choreography, the crucial aspect of the show. “There’s a very elaborate scene in the cave which you should look out for,” Natasha teases.
The directors also strived to make the show humourous, whilst also ensuring that all other the emotions are also felt during the production. Aside from this they also wanted the children to enjoy their performances.
Natasha also recalls the challenges they faced when it came to deciding on the lead roles. Generally, auditions are conducted where the directors looked at each performance individually, and deliberate quite a bit before making their choices.
These discussions led them to pick two students for each lead role. They will each participate for two shows. This made things a little easier and Natasha is pleased they are able to give more opportunities to more students.
Even the music they’ve chosen for the choreography is different to the traditional classical ballet music, we are told.
“I think the audience will not want to sit in their seats but rather get into the groove of the music as well.”
The directors firmly believe dance can express so much. Even if you’re someone who hasn’t watched the cartoon ‘Aladdin’, you will still understand the story.
Relating that story is something the directors have worked hard towards. “We question each other constantly. Be it the storyline or the choreography. We have our own individual critiques,” she adds.
Overall, the production promises to be different and exciting. “I feel little bit of mystery should be kept for the audience to come and watch,” Natasha tells us with a laugh. She also explains this has been hard work for the staff as well the parents who have been involved in the production and were also committed to bring the children for practices.
“I appreciate them for trusting us and for thinking positively towards this show during this time.”
Tickets are priced at Rs. 3500, Rs.3,000, 2500, Rs.1,500 and Rs1000
| The security measures in place for the show The Bishop’s College Auditorium is already under the security of the Air Force and has strict regulations in place. These include: “Security measures are being taken very seriously and we’re taking all the necessary steps to ensure safety. Otherwise I wouldn’t even think about putting on the production,” Natasha explains. Attendees are also advised to use taxis if possible. | |
