Clad in dazzling dresses of varied hues, a merry bunch of girls practice dance steps at the Lionel Wendt. Several other girls sit in little groups scattered across the hall. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and good natured banter and giggles fill the air.
In the midst of this cheery scene, Kanthi Ranchigoda is in her element choreographing various dance steps and managing a bunch of lively young girls in preparation of the upcoming performance by the ‘Dance Works Centre’ under the theme ‘Step by step.’
“The performance will be a blend of all the concerts I have done in the 30 years of my teaching and hence the name ‘Step by step’” elicits a smiling Kanthi. ‘Step by step’ will be a combination of various dance types from the 80s, 90s, and the millennium such as jazz, hip hop and ballet. Further, the performance will be unique and bring back fond memories for many as excerpts from all of Kanthi’s previous concerts will be included.
In fact, the present dancers remember watching the ‘big akkis’ perform these very same dances many years back. “Therefore, the current group of girls wanted to perform those dances too” says Kanthi adding that this time the performance will comprise of only girls for the very first time.
Coming from a family of dancers, dancing seems second nature to Kanthi who has been dancing since the tender age of five! “The Wendt means so much to me” reminisces Kanthi who herself has performed many a time at the Lionel Wendt.
Asked if she had always wanted to conduct dance classes, Kanthi says that though she vaguely had the idea in her head, she was initially not too sure or “half-half” to put it in her own words. “However as I grew older I was convinced that this is what I want to do” smiles Kanthi who has followed various courses related to dancing in UK and Australia.
It is evident that Kanthi thoroughly enjoys what she does, as she enumerates the various experiences she has gained along the way. For Kanthi, dancing goes beyond the stage. Dancing is not only a pleasing hobby or a livelihood. It is something that can be applied to and which will enhance day to day life.
“You also get to meet a lot of people” enthuses Kanthi. Kanthi, has not only grasped the opportunity to meet a lot of people through dancing, but has also used the chance to reach out to those in need of help. The proceeds from ‘Step by step’ will be in aid of the Society for Uplift and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Patients (SUROL).
Continuing with the various experiences obtained thanks to dancing, “You learn to carry yourself with poise” she says adding that the lessons taught via dancing reflect in the activities of everyday life too. Further, the hours of practice and the discipline required to stage a performance of high caliber is undoubtedly valuable.
And now, having gathered all this wealth of experience, Kanthi does not want to keep it to herself. “I want to pass all this along. That is my motto” she says earnestly before running off to continue training the performers with tireless dedication.
‘Step by step’ will go on boards on August 20 and 21 at the Lionel Wendt and tickets will be available at No. 70A Lauries Road, Colombo-4.
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