On 15 February 2012, The Consulate General office of Sri Lanka gave a rare treat to the music and dancing lovers in and around Blacktown area by inviting a Sri Lankan cultural troupe, ‘Rhythms and Dances of Sri Lanka’ to perform at Bowman Hall, Blacktown.

The dancing troupe consisted of all three major types of dancers and drummers  in Sri Lanka, Kandyan, Low Country and Sabaragamuwa.

Kandyan dancing is very much associated with the Buddhist temples. These dancers make the majority in the very famous Kandy Esala Perahera, the annual gala procession associated with “Temple of tooth” in Kandy. These are very disciplined type of dancing which goes down the family. The conical crown with a long flowing ribbon is the distinguished feature of these dancers attire. To wear this crown one has to undergo rigorous training and show the skills.

Low Country dancing was mainly associated to chase away evil spirits. Ancient folks believed the ailments are due to the influence of devils or evil spirits. These dances were done to chase away them and cure the ailing person.  Different ailments were attributed to different devils or spirits. Dancers wear colourful masks depicting these devils. Dancers either make fun of the devil to belittle them or make the patient believe the devil is chased away with the dance and loud drum beat.

Sabaragamuwa dancing comes from an area in Sri Lanka between low and upcountry. Unique head movement together with hands and very colourful attire covering the entire body of the dancer are main features in this dancing.

All these dancers perform nimble acrobatics. Three different types of dancing have their own drums.

What was presented at Bowman hall was an integrated version of all three types of dancing and drumming. A Sabaragamuwa dancer dancing with a Kadyan dancer to the same drum beat but with completely different movements and gestures was remarkable. The mixture was done artistically and with lot of discipline. The fact that all performers are members of our security forces may well be the reason for such discipline.

The occasion was graced by many Sri Lankans and the Acting Consulate General of Sri Lanka W S M S Wijesundara and the Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council Nick Berman.

Click here to enjoy an album of photos from this event