An epic journey with Naomi’s dancers and international stars
View(s):Naomi Rajaratnam’s dance show Epic Black will see UK’s five-time undefeated National Champion, Gunnar Gunnarsson, and Manuja Hughes, Blackpool Open Smooth Champion take the spotlight along with Professional Ballroom European Champions and Professional World Champions, Roman Sukhomlyn and Jackie Stevenson.
Epic Black by dance production house, With My Feet is presented by Union Assurance on August 9, 10 and 11 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Showcasing a selection of exceptional works from a diverse range of dance disciplines including Latin American, Ballroom, Contemporary, Fusion and more, Epic Black will be performed by a line-up of dancers both local and international.
From darkness to light: Dancers exploring human connections. Pic by Dimitri Crusz
Performing alongside the internationally acclaimed dancers, are some of the very best of Sri Lanka’s talent. Hailing from all walks of life and predominantly out-of-town areas, the local performers are very much a product of Naomi’s deep dedication to uplift promising young dancers. Despite the many challenges they face in terms of commute, their commitment to the show remains unwavering.
Noteworthy dancers who have been personally mentored by Naomi herself and have now become valued dance instructors themselves include Kushan Seneviratne, Bharatha de Silva, and, more recently, his wife Kessie Lara, who all play a crucial role in teaching and training the current With My Feet students.
Epic Black is also a tribute to Naomi’s late husband, one of the driving forces behind With My Feet’s success, Trevor Rajaratnam who passed away on February 13.
States Naomi, “The difference between this show and all the previous ones, is that I don’t have Trevor. I am really honoured and blessed to do Epic Black as a tribute to him by connecting local and international talent together on one stage and giving them unique opportunities such as this, because this was a passion of his as well.”
Dancers will explore a range of human connections centred around Epic Black’s theme, ‘from darkness to light’ in the show’s twenty-two acts, representing aspects of life’s journey and transitions in many ways, as a reminder that it is these moments that are often embedded with a sense of ‘epic,’ if we take time to look for it.
As with past productions, part proceeds from Epic Black will go towards the Dev Siri Sevana Elders Home, Welisara where admissions and care for the elders are free of charge irrespective of race and religion.
Over the last 24 years, With My Feet has built a loyal audience that spans generations with shows such as; With My Feet (2000), With My Feet Through Time (2003), Celebrations (2005), Ensemble (2006), Living Stones (2008), Resurrection (2017), Grace & Glory (2019), Absolute Joy (2022) and Dance Epicure (2023), Colombo’s first dinner dance theatre concept.
Tickets and box plan are available at the Bishop’s College Auditorium and on
www.withmyfeet.com along with digital seating options for those overseas. For inquiries call Akita on 0777 197 407.
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