sri lankan traditional dance – By Malsha – eLanka
Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of dance and cultural performances, including classical dance forms and folk dances. Some of the traditional dances in Sri Lanka include:
- Kandyan dance: a classical dance form that originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka and is performed to traditional drum music.
- devil dance: A ritual dance performed during the annual “Perahera” festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
- low country dance: A dance form that originated in the southern low-lying areas of Sri Lanka, performed to the accompaniment of a drum orchestra.
- Sabaragamuwa dance: A classical dance form originating from the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, performed by male dancers.
- Udarata dance: A classical dance form originating from the central hills of Sri Lanka, performed by male and female dancers.
These dances are an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and are performed at various festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events.
Kandyan dance:
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The Kandyan dance is a classical dance form originating from the central hills of Sri Lanka. It is performed by male dancers wearing traditional costumes and adorned with elaborate headdresses, jewelry, and weapons. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of drum music, including the “geta beraya” (a large drum), “dawula” (a medium-sized drum), and “uduwala” (a small drum).
The Kandyan dance is known for its energetic, fast-paced movements, intricate footwork, and acrobatic leaps and turns. The dance is performed in a semicircle, with the dancers moving in unison to the rhythm of the music. It is an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and is performed at various festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events.
devil dance
The devil dance, also known as “Kolam” or “Kolu”, is a ritual dance performed in Sri Lanka during the annual “Perahera” festival in Kandy. It is performed by trained dancers wearing masks and costumes that represent demons and other supernatural beings.
The devil dance is performed to the accompaniment of drum music and is considered to be a form of exorcism, with the intention of warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck and prosperity to the community. The dance is characterized by energetic and acrobatic movements, as well as fast, complex drum rhythms.
The devil dance is an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the country. The Perahera festival in Kandy is one of the largest and most spectacular cultural events in Sri Lanka, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness the colorful parade of elephants, dancers, musicians, and other performers.
low country dance
The Low Country dance is a traditional dance form originating from the southern low-lying areas of Sri Lanka. It is performed by both male and female dancers and is characterized by fluid, graceful movements and intricate hand gestures. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of a drum orchestra, including the “thammattama” (a large drum), “gethambara” (a medium-sized drum), and “rebana” (a small drum).
Low Country dances can be divided into two main categories: slow dances, which are performed to slow, melodic drum rhythms, and fast dances, which are performed to fast, complex drum rhythms. The slow dances are known for their flowing movements and elegant hand gestures, while the fast dances are known for their energetic and acrobatic movements.
The Low Country dance is an important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and is performed at various festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events. It is also a popular attraction for tourists visiting the country, who are drawn to its vibrant and colorful performances.
Sabaragamuwa dance
The Sabaragamuwa dance is a classical dance form originating from the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It is performed by male dancers and is characterized by its energetic and acrobatic movements, intricate footwork, and the use of various props such as swords, sticks, and masks. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of drum music, including the “davul” (a large drum) and the “thammattama” (a small drum).
The Sabaragamuwa dance has a rich history and is considered to be one of the oldest and most important classical dance forms in Sri Lanka. It is performed during various festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events, and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
The Sabaragamuwa dance is known for its dynamic and expressive performance style, which showcases the strength and skill of the dancers. The movements and gestures in the dance are said to tell traditional stories and convey important cultural values and beliefs.
Udarata dance
The Udarata dance is a classical dance form originating from the central hills of Sri Lanka. It is performed by both male and female dancers and is characterized by its graceful and flowing movements, intricate hand gestures, and the use of various props such as fans and peacock feathers. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of drum music, including the “geta beraya” (a large drum), “dawula” (a medium-sized drum), and “uduwala” (a small drum).
The Udarata dance is considered to be one of the most important classical dance forms in Sri Lanka and is known for its elegance and beauty. It is performed during various festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events, and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
The Udarata dance is characterized by its slow and fluid movements, which are said to convey feelings of love, compassion, and grace. The intricate hand gestures in the dance are said to tell traditional stories and convey important cultural values and beliefs. The use of props such as fans and peacock feathers adds to the beauty and elegance of the dance, making it a visually stunning and memorable performance.
