Colombo Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_The drum rhythm is infectious; the lilt of the background voice soothing and the skill of the dancers unimaginable. They tap their feet, pirouette, play with fire with some daredevil recklessness, defy the law of gravity, tip their fingers just right to each rhythmic nuance and beat those drums to deafening volumes or softened to barely a whisper. This is Colombo’s first dedicated regularly held cultural show that reflects the diverse dance and drums of Sri Lanka, generally divided into the three genres of upcountry, low country and Sabaragamuwa with some percussion and folk thrown in for good measure.
The Colombo Cultural Show is a sleek, professional and highly engaging cultural repertoire of ten dance and drum items that takes the audience on a journey of upcountry, low country, Sabaragamuwa and folk dances.
Held weekly under the beautiful expanse of the banyan tree tucked within the gardens of the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour on Baudhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7, the dance troupe has been carefully curated by Transcend Drive (Pvt) Limited, specifically for the Colombo Cultural Show, with some of the best dancers and drummers in the country. Besides being a charming troupe dancing in perfect rhythm, feeding off each other’s infectious energy, the dancers also showcase amazing versatility in audience engagement, inviting them to join in some of the dances, which to a visitor is a most memorable experience.
Sitting on comfortable cushions under the canopy of the banyan tree which is an extraordinarily beautiful setting for the Colombo Cultural Show, while sipping a fresh fruit juice and munching on crispy cassava chips (all included in the entrance ticket), the show begins at a punctual 6.30 pm. It runs for a total of 70 minutes after which the audience is once again allowed to interact with the troupe, taking photographs and selfies as they please.
The show begins with a traditional pooja dance to the accompaniment of melodious lilting lyrics embellished by Sri Lankan drums, to the vibrant dance of the masks, going into the skillful artistry of the twirling rabanas (disc shaped drums). Add the comedic Salu Paliya, the Kandyan Ves danced originally only at the Temple of the Tooth, Thelme the most famous of low country dances and a trip to the paddy field for the harvest dance and you’ve got a pretty good idea of the diversity of Sri Lankan dance. The awesome fire dance is proceeded with the drum orchestra, bringing out some friendly yet skillful competition within the drum troupe and your journey of dance and drums in Sri Lanka is more than complete!
