Unity is the theme of the Ballet Festival by the Chitrasena School of Dance

Day of small fry

By Ruhanie Perera

Dedicated to the cause of keeping dancing alive, ballet festivals are organised giving the students of the Chitrasena School of Dance much exposure. At the same time they provide the public with enchanting evenings of entertainment, guaranteeing audiences peace of mind and smiles on their faces.

The latest production, "A Festival of Ballet" opens on May 3 and is spread out through May, June and October. A production by the Chitrasena School of Dance is not one just for dance-lovers. This festival which features delightful children's ballets like Hapana, Gini Hora and Ran Kikili is one that welcomes children into the captivating world of folk tales through dance. It is also a chance for just about anyone to sit back and get lost in this wonderful world that was so much a part of childhood.

The festival opens with Hapana, the popular tale of how little fish can win over a big fish, giving out the message that unity is strength. That's followed by Gini Hora, a ballet with lots of colour, about how the bird got its flame-coloured tail.

Coming up in June is Vanamal, an allegory of life and death and Ran Kikili, the story of the industrious hen and the mad antics of two incorrigible mice.

October sees the ballet Bera Handa, all about the innovations of the drum, which ends what seems like a spectacular festival. 

"It's not getting any easier to organise a festival, even though we've been doing it for years now," says Vajira. "Yet, it's something that must be done for the sake of those participating and the audience who has been loyal to us over the years." With pride she adds that today's dancers are the third and fourth generation group. They sure have come a long way. But there is a pressing need to ensure that this art form continues to charm audiences of the future.

The Chitrasena-Vajira way of ensuring that the dance they carried on for so long continues to grow is through the Chitrasena School of Dance. 'The Festival of Ballet' launches the Chitrasena Kalathanaya Building Fund to provide a home for spirited dancers.

The performances are replete with colour, rhythm and tradition. Some will inform, some inspire and others will make you laugh. They will transport you to a magical world that seems to defy the laws of gravity, where movement and music reign supreme.

It is an opportunity to remember that dance, which has given us so much pride and pleasure, is very much alive...an opportunity not to be missed!

Schedule

The shows to be held at the Bishop's College Auditorium are:

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