Dancing back to the stage with ‘Absolute Joy’
Naomi Rajaratnam
Lockdowns and pandemic delays, having to practise in the melting heat and by candlelight due to the ongoing power cuts have not dampened the enthusiasm of Naomi Rajaratnam and her dancers as they present their latest production ‘Absolute Joy’ next month at the Bishop’s College auditorium.
Known for featuring an extensive mix of dance styles in her productions, Naomi shares that audiences can expect another exciting-line up of 22 vibrant routines ranging from traditional Latin-American, Ballroom, Oriental, Contemporary and a few fusion performances such as an entrancing Argentine tango with elements of ballet incorporated.
Taking the stage are some award winning dancers of both local and international competitions – familiar faces from Naomi’s previous productions as well as some who will be joining her show for the first time.
Growing up on a tea plantation, Naomi would admire the many pictures of graceful dancers she would happen upon and it was at the age of five that she began ballet while boarded at Bishop’s College, taught by Timmy Ingleton, a Royal Academy of Dance qualified teacher. Further into her professional dancing career, Naomi would perform on local and international stages while balancing her other commitments as a model.
Her passion for dance led her to start teaching very young, in 1971. Now renowned equally for her teaching abilities, her dance company With My Feet, has showcased many dancers since 2000.
Like most events scheduled just prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Absolute Joy originally set to premier in August 2020 was postponed several times as the country went into lockdown.
From Latin American dance moves to fusion: The show promises 22 vibrant routines
Naomi remarks at her dancers’ unwavering commitment despite the extended wait to finally bring ‘Absolute Joy’ to the stage.
Since the inception of With My Feet, all proceeds of Naomi’s productions have been for the Devsiri Sevana elders’ home. That longstanding commitment began when two of Naomi’s aunts were in need of a care facility. Taken aback and disheartened by the conditions of some of the homes they had visited, they eventually came across the Devsiri Sevana. The home operates solely on donations providing its 50 residents with three meals a day and the medical attention they need. The first visit she made left a lasting impression on Naomi who then decided to continue extending her support with the proceeds from each dance production.
To bring Absolute Joy to the stage she required much support and fortunately there were theatre enthusiasts, in particular Nayantara Fonseka of Taru Villas, the House of Maliban and SLT Mobitel.
Absolute Joy by With My Feet will take place on April 8, 9 and 10 at the Bishop’s College auditorium. In keeping with social distancing requirements, the auditorium will be operating at 75% capacity.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1,000 (balcony), Rs. 3,000, Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 5,000 and can be purchased from the Bishop’s College Auditorium or online at www.withmyfeet.com.
Visit their Instagram page for a look behind the scenes – @withmyfeet_absolutejoy
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