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Dancing doubles

By Ishani Ranasinghe
When we see a dance troupe on stage, we tend to admire how well their movements are synchronized. But what makes this dance troupe special is that not only do we see identical movements but also identical performers. And, no, you're not seeing double.

"Every child is a wonderful gift to their parents, but we are special gifts" is the proud motto of the dance troupe of the Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre. And special they are, as this is the only dance troupe in the world made up only of twins.

The troupe, which was formed in 1998, has performers from all walks of life. Chairperson Upuli Gamage and her twin sister Chamali, co-founders of the centre, formed the troupe as they felt that many talented twins were unable to achieve their full potential due to poverty and lack of opportunity. The troupe has performed in Sri Lanka and Bangalore and has been invited to perform in Korea later this year.

The Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre was launched on August 23, 1993 when after some research, Upuli realized that there was no centre that looked solely into the wellbeing of twins. "After a few performances that my sister and I did, I realized that there was a special place for twins in society," she says. Being a twin herself made her realize that twins make great artistes, dancers and singers. She has now formed an eastern band and choir.

"What is also special about the centre is that once you are born a twin, you automatically become a member," says Upuli. The centre has over 3000 registrations so far. The members and their families are interviewed by Upuli to see if the twins have any talent that can be encouraged and also to find out whether the families need help to support themselves.

"When we see those in need we connect them with rich families who are willing to help," says Upuli.

Some twins have talent but not the courage to come forward and gain that much-needed exposure.

The centre, therefore, has organized Leadership Workshops for them. Not only the twins, but their families too benefit from cookery and computer diplomas and other vocational training that is offered. An insurance scheme solely for twins is also in the pipeline.

"We came across many families who were badly off and did not even have a proper home," said Upuli. They are planning on opening accounts for these families as a move to helping them financially.

The centre has made steady progress in getting recognition for twins. April 27, 2001 was special for twins in this country as the first Avurudu Festival dedicated to twins was held on this day. "More than 3000 twins participated," Upuli said with a sense of achievement.

August 2002 saw the launching of a song that was dedicated to twins of Sri Lanka composed by twins Eranjan and Viranjan Perera. February 22, 2002 (22.02.2002), 2.22 p.m might be on its way to the Guinness Book of World Records after the launch of a stamp at the Twin Towers.

They have now proposed that August 23, this year be made the National Twins’ Day.
Upuli and Chamali have received awards for "Best Social Leadership" for their work at the centre from the Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists’ Forum in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalism.

"One of my goals is to promote other countries also to have centres like this with Sri Lanka's centre being the main one," says Upuli.

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