The show goes on with Epic Black
View(s):- Naomi Rajaratnam’s With My Feet dance troupe in tribute concert to her husband Trevor
By Shanali Fernando
A blessed union. A heartfelt tribute.
Celebrating a heartbeat that continues through the circular journey of darkness and light, Epic Black by the dance production house, With My Feet is set to hit the stage on August 9,10 and 11 at the Bishop’s College auditorium.
Naomi Rajaratnam. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Choreographed by well known dancer and choreographer Naomi Rajaratnam, the show is a celebration of life and resilience honouring Naomi’s late husband Trevor Rajaratnam who was a pillar of strength to her as well as the troupe and who inspired them to find light even in the darkest of times. A well known personality, Trevor passed away in February this year.
Epic Black will showcase various dance disciplines including Latin American, ballroom, contemporary, and fusion. Naomi’s signature aerial lifts, spins and turns will be a central feature.
UK’s five-time undefeated national champion Gunnar Gunnarsson and Manuja Hughes- the Blackpool open smooth champion as well as Professional Ballroom European Champions and professional World Champions Roman Sukhomlyn and Jackie Stevenson will be the visiting dancers.
Since its inception in 2000 With My Feet has staged many memorable performances. “Each production has been a clear vision of Naomi’s,” said Johann Peries during the press conference held at Cinnamon Grand. “It’s not something she just pulls out of the hat, the themes of these shows have come to her during the times she spends in solitude with her God, that is what sets it apart.” This year’s theme revolves around the concept of “darkness to light” and will be intricately woven into all aspects of the show.
“This year is special because it’s a tribute to Trevor,” Naomi said talking about her late husband who was the driving force behind With My Feet over the years. “He believed that the show must go on and that spirit and conviction lives on with the troupe at With My Feet.”
“ I was dancing from when I was four years and that is who I am now,” she adds. Just as a painter uses art to express themselves dance is how I express myself.”
Talking about her team, she says, “They are family to me and I am so proud of who they have become.”
Naomi’s vision extends beyond the stage as she is dedicated to uplifting talents from the rural areas of Sri Lanka. As before, a significant part of the proceeds of the show will go towards Dev Siri Sevana Elders Home in Welisara which provides care for elders, free of charge.
“It is always so exciting to dance with Aunty, as we get to experience different styles of dance; she will challenge us to do something new with the classic styles,” say Naomi’s young dancers, speaking to the Sunday Times. “She has this special ability of pushing us into a new limit that we didn’t know existed within us and that we were capable of.”
See www.withmyfeet.com or call 077 775 0786 for ticket info. Epic Black will be offering digital seats and e-tickets for the evening as well.
Celebration of life and resilience: Showcasing Latin American, ballroom, contemporary, and fusion dance. Pic by Dimitri Crusz
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