Arts
An enchanting tale told in dance
View(s):By Anoushka Jayasuriya
The enchanting tale of Hansel and Gretel, the Grimms fairy tale of the courageous brother and sister who embark on a fantastical journey into the forest is told through graceful artistry and intricate dance, in the Ballet School of Colombo’s new production, ‘Joy of Dance’ which goes on the boards in early November.
Planning the show: Nadine Shums, Tara Cooke and Romina Giyi
The Ballet School of Colombo’s storied legacy dates back to the early 1960’s as one of the earliest ballet schools in Sri Lanka, pioneered by legendary dancer Oosha Saravanamuttu-Wijesinghe. The Oosha Garten of Ballet as the school was initially known has since evolved and underwent a rebranding in 2016. Veteran dancers and past pupils, Tara Cooke and Romina Gyi now run the school as its directors, nurturing countless students in the art of dance.
‘Joy of Dance’ comes six years after the school’s last performance of ‘An Enchanted Adventure’ in 2017. They had initially planned to stage Peter Pan in 2020 but the production was halted due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the school decided to start afresh this year with Hansel and Gretel.
Encapsulating the joy of movement, the one-and-a-half-hour show is divided into two acts. Act One is a captivating ballet that brings Hansel and Gretel to life, while Act Two showcases jazz, tap, and contemporary dance forms.
The show is choreographed by Tara, Romina and Nadine Shums with the help of the school faculty.
The main cast of the Hansel and Gretel Ballet comprises Shenelle Arasaratnam as Gretel, Okitha Karunadhara and Supushpika Jayakody as Hansel, Anitra Gunaratne as the Witch, Kyra Wafa and Janindu Ranasinghe as father and mother, Ashmita Sriharan as Moon, Lasandi Matharaarachchi as Sandman and Ovindee Rajapakse, Vonara Kiribathgoda, Shalini de Mel, Kiara Wijewardene as the main sweets.
Beginner ballet and dance classes for adults were introduced in 2017, and the school’s students now range from as young as four years to those in their fifties. To encompass the varying skill levels of an ensemble of over 200, Romina says they felt the tale of Hansel and Gretel was the most suitable choice as the storyline allows for the youngest dancers to have a role alongside the more experienced performers.
Countdown: The students at a practice session last week. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
They wanted to give their dancers the opportunity to perform a full-length classical ballet with a storytelling element, says Nadine. Tara adds that while the production is largely faithful to the classic, they give it their own in interpretation, with surprise elements to enhance the production.
Act One promises bursts of colour with the costume design, reflecting traditional German stylings of the time and an elaborate set with a delectable house of sweets. Act Two, the choreographers share, will be more understated to highlight the strength of the performances.
The music will comprise works by well-known composers and lively tracks made specifically for ballet performances. “You need a lot of feeling in the music as well to depict the story because it’s not like acting – you can’t use words, you have to use your body and expressions to send out that message,” Tara explains.
‘Joy of Dance’ presented by the Ballet School of Colombo will be on November 3 and 4 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at Rs.5500, Rs.4500, Rs.3500, Rs.2500 and Rs.1500 (balcony)
For inquiries, call 0721580580, follow the Ballet School of Colombo on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit their
website www.tbscolombo.com