“තාල ; Thala (Rhythm)” - Drums and Dances of Sri Lanka - Part 15 of 17

“Thala”, A modern depiction of Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms directed by Channa Wijewardena.

Produced and Edited by Champika Wickramaratne
2016 © CW Video Productions, Sugar Land, Texas, USA

Executive Producers:
Sanka Thennakoon
Suren Lewkebandara

Videography:
Sangeetha Lewkebandara
Gamini Wickramage
Champika Wickramaratne

Venue:
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Houston, Texas, United States

Organized by Dharmaraja Alumni Association in North America and the Sri Lankan Community in Houston

Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation has pioneered in bringing Sri Lankan cultural dance along with contemporary expression to the world theatre. Channa specializes in all form of traditional and creative dancing in Sri Lanka, namely “Kandyan, Sabaragamuwa, Low Country” and his own creative contemporary style which he calls “Body Language”, which is based on “Thribanga”:signifiying the three curves of a woman’s body and is a flexible style performed by his graceful young dancers.
This new dance technique which he introduced has become a revolution in the Sri Lanka dance vocation, which is witnessed on TV, theatre and stage performances. Channa also brings out all types of traditional drum patterns by the traditional schools “Kandyan, Low country, and Sabaragamuwa” which improvise his dance forms. His performances are noteworthy for the colorful costumes and theatrical makeup that create a magnificent combination on stage. They are a national asset, a testament to Sri Lankan tradition, culture, and creativity bringing recognition to Sri Lanka internationally and have performed in countries all over the world.
Performed by world renowned “Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Institute”, Thala (Rhythm), will take you on a journey thru a modern depiction of Sri Lankan Classical Dances and hopes to share with you the kaleidoscopic essence of Kandyan Dance Forms at its best.