Dance Forms

Traditional Dance Forms
Traditional dance in Sri Lanka dates back to the 4th century B.C. and is associated with rituals and ceremonies intended to expel sickness and misfortune and to evoke blessings during auspicious occasions. Several classical dance forms evolved in each region. Three main dance forms are now performed: Kandyan (up country), Sabaragamuwa (central province), and Ruhunu (low country). Each of these unique styles differs in dress, rhythm of the drums, dance movements, and folk songs.

Kandyan Dance Forms
Kandyan dance traces its origins to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya and the dances depict the graceful movements of birds and animals. The Kandy Perahara held for ten days beginning on the Esala full moon day of July/August each year, provides an ideal opportunity to see scores of Kandyan dances and traditional drummers. This traditional dance form is also performed at weddings and other auspicious occasions.

Sabaragamuwa Dance forms
The Sabaragamuwa dance is performed in the Ratnapura region and is dedicated to God Saman. Sabaragamuva traditions also include the ancient tribal dances performed by the Vedda community in Sri Lanka. A visit to Dambana, the jungle village of this ancient indigenous community, will give an opportunity for visitors to gain insight into their lifestyle, distinctive cultural identity, and traditional dance forms.

Ruhunu Dance Forms
The Ruhunu or Pahatharata (low country) dance forms - also known as `Kolam’ dance - is more ritualistic and performed to appease evil spirits causing sickness and misfortune. Masked dancers depicting birds, reptiles and demons dance to the rhythms of drums. Chanting, miming, engaging in dramatic dialogue, and enacting traditional folklore are also part of these low-country dance performances. The elaborate and colourful masks worn for these traditional dances are all handmade, predominantly in the west coast town of Ambalangoda.

Modern local dance forms
The traditional dance forms have evolved over the years to incorporate more artistic and sensuous movements. The masters of these dance forms include Vajira and Chitrasena, Khema, Channa and Upuli whose legacies are being passed on to younger generations.

Western Dance
From ballet to modern dance, jive to salsa, dance is an inherent part of the local culture. Formal dance instruction in ballet and modern dance is available in Colombo.
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Dance Forms Sri Lanka