Twenty four years of Russian School of Ballet and Dancing

By Sanath Weerasuriya

The Russian School of Ballet and Dancing under the Russian House in Colombo is the foremost Ballet and Dance Institution in Sri Lanka, established 24 years ago. Beginning with just four young girls, it has since grown and flourished remarkably.

‘Throughout our comprehensive programmes, students master classical dance, historical dance, character dance, and acting, paving the way for them to turn their passion for ballet into a professional career’ said Chandi Aluvihare, the Cultural Officer attached to the Russian House of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka.

‘The school employs the Vaganova method, a ballet technique developed by the esteemed Russian dancer and instructor Agrippina Vaganova, where each element of classical ballet is meticulously studied through structured lessons’ she added.

The school was initiated with the support of Mikhail Ustinov-then Director of the Russian House in Colombo, and Buddhapriya Ramanayaka-Chief Executive Officer, with Galina Pleshakova as the founding instructor. Chandi Aluvihare, Cultural Officer of the Russian House, conceptualised and standardised the school in 2001.

The annual concerts conducted by the Russian School of Ballet and dancing, presented with grandeur, gain significant attention and provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents to proud parents. The Russian School of Ballet also conducts annual examinations, overseen by Oxana Karnovich from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, motivating students to achieve higher levels of proficiency.

The school is home to over a few hundred students, who study classical ballet under the expert guidance of Galina Pleshakova, Samantha Samararathne, Niluka Madurawala, Radisha Bodiyabadu, Lasni Subasinghe, and a team of assistant teachers including Sadani Peiris, Kavishka Prematilake, Shenaalie Dias and Samindi de Silva, all distinguished former students of the school.

‘The Russian House in Colombo takes immense pride in its unwavering commitment to bringing the finest of Russian arts and culture to Sri Lanka. With its dedication to high standards and comprehensive training, the school not only nurtures the talents of its students, but also instills a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of ballet’ said Chandi Aluvihare.