‘Dance Epicure’ by ‘With My Feet’
View(s):- UK champion dancers and the Sri Lankan talent on the same stage
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Music and dance are both such expressive art form help to reduce tension and anxiety. According to medical viewpoint, this can help to reduce stress and even decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression. Finally, the blessings of music and dancing are slowly taking it shape in Colombo in the midst of fire, destruction and nonstop nuisances.
It is now all set to unveil Sri Lanka’s very first Dinner Dance Theatre concept ‘Dance Epicure’ at Shangri- La Hotel on 2nd April. ‘Dance Epicure’ is a brainchild of the legendary dancer Naomi Rajaratnam and produced by ‘With My Feet’ – her own Theatre Production venture.
Uniquely curated evening of dance and gastronomy produced by the Colombo Dance Theatre will feature a roster of extraordinary international and local dancers paired with a night of culinary delight.
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- Trevor Rajaratnam
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- Ramesha Samarasinghe, Director of Communications Shangri-La
The latest initiative by Naomi, the Colombo Dance Theatre comprises of a company of elite international and local dancers woven firmly together by masterful choreography and a great love for dance. Dance Epicure will not only be the Theatre’s inaugural performance, but also the first of its kind in Sri Lanka; where artfully choreographed dance segments will be performed between a four-course sit-down menu.
The highly anticipated event will feature five-time undefeated UK National Latin American Champions Gunnar Gunnarsson and Marika Doshoris, as well as the formidable Nauris Kalva and Manuja Hughes, Blackpool Open Smooth Champions – sharing the stage with the best Sri Lankan dancers from Naomi’s own dance company ‘With My Feet’.
Since 2000, Naomi Rajaratnam’s ‘With My Feet’ has been presenting spirited and riveting dance productions. After the pandemic and long silence, she was back with ‘Absolute Joy’ last year.
Naomi’s most recent performances include Resurrection (2017) and Grace and Glory (2019) with ‘Absolute Joy’ being the eighth production of its kind.
Apart from international performers, the main feature of the ‘Dance Epicure’ will be performance by the children of the Warehouse Project; an urban community solution in partnership with the Sri Narada Foundation.
Naomi’s desire to uplift dancers from far-flung rural areas in Sri Lanka by providing them with the opportunities and spotlight they deserve has always been encapsulated in her dance showcases.
‘It is with this vision in mind that Dance Epicure will also feature a heart-warming performance by the children of the Warehouse Project in addition to the professional dancers from ‘With My Feet’. Also I strongly believe this will help and pave the way for good quality entertainment to boost the image of Sri Lanka and to ease ablaze in Colombo’ said Trevor Rajaratnam, at the press briefing held at the Shangri- La last week.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Naomi Rajaratnam said, ‘I am so honoured that some of the UK’s leading dancers have chosen to collaborate with us, and I am equally thrilled to be able to showcase the best of our Sri Lankan talent on the same platform’
‘The concept of a Dinner Dance Theatre has been on my mind for the longest time and I couldn’t think of a better moment to finally turn this dream into a reality,” she added. “The calibre of these world-renowned dancers paired with the best of With My Feet dancers is the perfect opportunity to offer a something truly unique to our Sri Lankan audience.’
The proceeds from the ‘Dance Epicure’ ticket sales will go towards the Dev Siri Sevana Elders Home in Welisara.
The principal partners of Dance Epicure are Standard Chartered Bank Priority, Maliban Biscuit Manufacturers, John Keells Properties, SriLankan Airlines, Shangri-La Colombo and Wijeya Newspapers 9 Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Daily Ft.) and Capital Maharaja Group as media sponsors.
Tickets for ‘Dance Epicure’ are priced at Rs 25,000/-per head inclusive of four course sit down dinner and now can be purchased online at https://withmyfeet.com/. With My Feet social media pages will soon be updated with where tickets can be purchased offline.
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