SRI LANKAN TRADITIONAL DANCING

From Thaprobane to Sri Lanka history of dancing took a huge part in culture of many tribes. In the age the Weddas and Yakka tribes, they had some dancing skills and a trend of dance.

There are three main dancing styles in Sri Lankan traditional dancing.

Dancing Styles in Sri Lanka

1. The Kandyan dances of the Hill Country, known as “ Uda Rata Natum “
2. The low country dances of the southern plains, known as “ Pahatha Rata Natum “
3. Sabaragamuwa dances or Sabaragamuwa Natum.

These three dancing styles are differ in their moves and gestures.

Geta Beraya in Kandyan Dancing, Yak Beraya in Rata Dancing, Davla in Sabaragamuwa Dancing style are conducting Instruments in Traditional culture.

Kandyan Dancing

Kandyan dance is highly combined with “Thala” which was provided by instrument called “Thalampata”.

Vess, Naiyandi, Pantheru, Wannam, Uddekki are the combination of Kandyan dance.

According to the history the origins of Kandyan dance lies in an exorcism ritual known as the Kohomba kankariya

Kohomba Yakuma or Kohomba Kankariya. Performed only by males. Which are the main items in" Ves" Natuma

End of the 19th century Ves dancers were invited firstly to perform outside the precincts of the Kankariya Temple at the Kandyan dance.

Naiyandi dance

Dancers in Naiyandi costumes perform in Kohomba Kankariya. During the lighting of lamps and the preparation of foods for demons.

Naiyandi Dance normally considered as a graceful one also performing in Maha Visnu and Katharagama Devales temple in ceremonial events

Uddekki dance.

It is a very prestigious dance. The dancer has to play the drum while he is singing and lighting the strings to obtain the variables in pitch.

Pantheru dance.

Pantheruwa is a dedicated instrument to the goddess Paththini as traditional believes.

Gods were believed to use the instrument in victory of war and ancient kings were used to arrange Pantheru dancers during their victories. Costumes are similar to Uddekki dancer

Vannam in Sri Lanka

Vannam is mainly a solo Dance which is inspired by nature, history, legend, folk art, folk religion and sacred lore.

There are eighteen different types of Vannam

1. Gajaga- (“elephant”)
2. Mayura - (“peacock”)
3. Thuranga - (“horse”)
4. Gahaka - (“conch shell”)
5. Uranga - (“crawling animals”)
6. Mussaladi - (“hare”)
7. Ukkussa - (“eagle”)
8. Vyrodi - (“precious stone”)
9. Hanuma - (“monkey”)
10. Savula - (“cock”)
11. Sinharaja - (“lion”)
12. Naga - (“cobra”)
13. Kirala - (“red-wattled lapwing”)
14. Eeradi - (“arrow”)
15. Surapathi - (in praise of the goddess Surapathi)
16. Ganapathi - (in praise of the god Ganapathi)
17. Uduhara - (expressing the pomp and majesty of the king)
18. Assadhrusa (extolling the merit of the Buddha)

To these were added samanala (“Butterfly”), Bo (the sacred bo tree at Anuradhapura, a sampling of the original Bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment), and Hansa Vannama (“swan”).

Low Country dances (Pahatharata Natum)

Low Country dance is performed to appease evil spirits which cause sickness and is known as "'Devil Dance".

There are main Eighteen dances of Pahatharata Natum So called as "Daha Ata Sanniya "

Sabaragamu dances (Sabaragamuwa Natum)

Sabaragamuwa dance is usually performed in Ratnapura, for the worshipping of God Saman.

There are 32 main dances in Sabaragamuwa Natum style.

Devil Dances.

The common belief of people in older days that certain ailments are caused by unseen hands and the Devil Dance took place to chased away for the patient to get cured. The Devil Dance also known as "Thovil "

Mostly the 'Tovil' involves the 'sanni' dances and the dancers wear masks. The 'Daha Ata Sanniya' refers to eighteen ailments with a demon being responsible for each one.

Folk Dances.

Apart from those three classical dance forms there are also folk dances, which are combined with folk activities and festivities.

Leekeli , Kalagedi , Raban , and Polkatu, are the main dancing items in folk dances

Kolam.

Belongs to the dance drama. Developed from Sanni Yakuma. Kolam performers wear masks depicting animals and people.

Kohomba kankariya.

Kohomba Kankariya one of the most venerated and elaborate traditional dance rituals in Sri Lanka. Held to invoke the blessings of the twelve deities Kohomba Yakka, Irugal Bandara, Kande Bandara, Viramunda Yakka, Meleyi Yakka, Vadi Yakka, Kadavara Yakka, Vali Yakka, Kadu Guru, Maha Guru, Ambrapati and Kalu Kumara.

Kohomba Kankariya is a Shanthi Karma demonstrating the pre-Buddhist worship of (demons) who are regarded as deities. It is an all-night event that commences in the evening and continues into the early hours of the following morning.

Today, The Kohomba Kankariya is performed to bring about peace and bountifulness to a village community and country,

The historical roots of the ritual, performed since ancient times, is connected to the tribal queen Kuveni, and Prince Vijaya.

The classical dances are associated with performance of various ceremonies and rituals. Centuries old and are based on folk religion and folk beliefs. Before the advent of Buddhism was accepted by the Sinhala people in the 3rd century BC.

Various dances associated with its performance could be seen in the Kandy Perahera.

Also annual religion-cultural event takes place in the city of Kandy.

Dalada Perahera is hold for honor of the sacred tooth-relic of the Buddha housed in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.

By the years Sri Lankan Traditional Dancing has become a most symbolic item and the major representing thing in Sinhalese culture.

Among the other cultures and traditions in various countries Sri Lankan dancing is one of the most attractive and colorful item.