Flitting into a world of fantasy

Grace, elegance, poise, talent, perfection...all words that could easily epitomise almost every member of this family of dancers. From the maestro Chitrasena himself to his wife Vajira, daughters Upekha and Anjalika, and now his grand-daughters Heshma, Umi and Thaji, the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya has over the years, become a hallmark of Sri Lankan dance.

This blend of dance and professionalism has evidently translated to its students – a number of them now experts in their own right and contributing to the mission of taking the school from strength to strength, keeping the country’s dance heritage alive. The newest offering by the Kalayathanaya Kumbi Kathawa (Ant Story), a new children’s ballet will go on the boards on September 7, 8 and 9, with two shows each evening - on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.

At a preview last week at their new school premises on Park Road, Colombo 5, the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation gave those present a glimpse of the creativity and originality in their new production. Inspired by a Russian children’s story, the ballet was conceived by Anjalika, and directed by Anjalika and Mahesh Umagiliya, a professional dancer and teacher at the Kalayathanaya, who has also designed and executed the costumes and stage sets. The story transports the audience into a fantasy realm of the insect world where in addition to ants, the beautiful movements of butterflies, ladybirds, grasshoppers, fireflies and even a mosquito are depicted.

“This ballet has been in the making for five years, and is based on a children’s story I came across long ago, which we have interpreted to suit the situation in our country. With Mahesh’s assistance, we studied the movement of insects, and did a lot of research to get the dance moves accurately. About 40 students are taking part, with some of them taking on double roles. Some of the senior students will also perform to enhance the standard of the production,” said Anjalika, a director of the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation.

Mahesh (28), explains the detailed and precision work that has gone into the production. “It’s not easy to create costumes that bring out the essence of the insects, but which at the same time fit the human body as well. The challenge was to create something in between art and reality. I first designed everything using 3D animation, so that would give me a realistic idea. You have to consider things like flexibility for the dancers to move their bodies, and also the fact that the costumes should only complement the moves, not taking the focus away from it,” he said.

The story of the ballet is simple, but carries a very timely message for our country, he says. “It shows how an enemy should not discourage and weaken you, and how a common enemy like a natural disaster, makes everyone dependent on each other. And finally it highlights the fact that you can even bring yourself to help your worst enemy, which is very close to the Buddhist ideology.”

The music for the ballet merges music from all corners of the world, especially Indian music and African drums, and was edited and restructured by this talented young artiste himself, who is also artistic director of the production. Having been dancing for about eleven years, Mahesh has been a teacher at the school for almost eight years.

One of the directors of the Foundation Heshma, believes that we as a country have a responsibility to safeguard this sadly dying art form. “This is the first time we are doing a production after the loss of our grandfather Chitrasena, and without a significant contribution by our grandmother Vajira, who of course is assisting us in whichever way she can. It’s also the first time we are doing all the costumes and sets, on our own. Mahesh practically lives at the school, ensuring that everything needed for the production is taken care of,” she said.

Each member of the family contributes their expertise to the Kalayathanaya, taking care of the teaching, administration and finance, with most of their senior students shouldering much responsibility, especially during this production. “When my grandfather passed away, and without literally the backbone of our Kalayathanaya, we were lost. But we gradually found our way back, and we are truly appreciative of this land gifted to us by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, which enabled us to build this wonderful Kalayathanaya and finally realise our grandfather’s dream. The entire Kalayathanaya is like a family,” added Heshma smiling.

The school numbers around 250 students, and is growing, with most of the seniors who left the country to qualify in various disciplines having returned, to enhance the quality of the overall education of the present students. “Discipline is vital. Your body is like an instrument, and it needs constant tuning. We now start with a little meditation, and also teach the kids the importance of warming up before dancing and so on, to avoid injuries, tied up with natural movement and technique classes,” says Upekha, one of the directors of the Foundation.

“I’m thrilled to see this production taking shape, it being the first time the younger generation is shouldering the entire responsibility,” she said. The school interestingly also has two foreign students from Chile, studying Kandyan dancing on a full time basis, and they too will be a part of the performance.

Legendary dancer Vajira, President of the Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation says how proud she is to see their efforts being taken forward by the younger generation. “It’s great that what we started is being continued, and especially the fact that they too, like us, are not commercialising this wonderful art. The school has produced almost thirty performances up to date, and I hope that more shows will continue being produced in the years to come,” she said.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 400 (downstairs, open seating) and Rs. 150 (balcony). Those who purchase four downstair tickets will receive an additional ticket for free, while special rates are available for groups of over 20. Tickets are available at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to Apollo Hospital). Phone – 0602150570.