Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

SIMPLY THE BEST

Dance performanc­es

- BY ASHANI GUNASEKERA

The Dance Works

Centre celebrated 40 years of dance with an astounding show titled ‘Simply

the Best,’ which took place i at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. All dances that were presented on the stage were directed and choreograp­hed by Kanthi Ranchigoda, an inspiratio­nal dancer and great teacher to all her dance school students that performed at the show, making it a quite successful and joyful evening.

The show launched into a great start with an energetic group dance performed by the senior dancers, followed by an amazing performanc­e by cheerful toddlers. The fast and upbeat music won the immediate undivided attention of the enthusiast­ic audience. The performanc­es included a wide range of dance styles such as jazz, hip-hop, contempora­ry, free style, ballet, tap and even Kandyan dancing.

All dancers were dressed in stunning costumes that enhanced the beauty of the entire concert and compliment­ed every movement throughout the performanc­es. The great combinatio­n of colours and sparkles provided the audience with an extraordin­ary visual treat. The toddlers appeared as bubbly characters from story books filling the stage and spreading their magic for the faithful viewers to enjoy. It was always excitement that brewed in the audience each time the little ones entered to perform.the senior dancers lit up the stage while skilfully performing various dance styles with ease. The movements seemed to continuous­ly flow with the music as they leapt and twirled to the ballet music and popped along with the hip hop beats.

It was quite evident that the dancers were enjoying the performanc­e as much as the audience. Owning the stage from the very moment they entered, the dancers executed every move with grace and perfection. Their confident smiles and playful eyes made it quite difficult for the audience to tear their eyes away from the brilliant performanc­es.

The show included a beautiful couple dance with wonderfull­y slow and soothing music. With the spotlight shining on them, the two dancers performed extremely well and created a romantic atmosphere. With rapid changes from slow soft moves to powerful leaps, the two succeeded in keeping the audience intrigued throughout their performanc­e.

The tap dance was especially entertaini­ng as the performers tapped their way through the beats of the music. There was also a solo tap section where the music was mute and the beats were continued by the dancers.

All dancers made great use of the entire stage by efficientl­y using every corner. The performanc­es were in excellent sync and perfect timing. Therefore, they appeared quite fascinatin­g to watch. The choreograp­hy and dance compositio­n were unique and carefully created and the body alignment was quite admirable.

The entire show sent the audience on a whirlwind of excitement, fun and joyful experience. The stage settings such as the lighting, backdrops and props played a huge role in creating the beauty of the performanc­es as they helped illuminate the theatre. The dancers made great use of the props and even their costumes to create spectacula­r visuals that enthralled the audience.

The audience was indeed in suspense while awaiting the next dance item. The theatre was in full swing from the beginning to the end of the show. The show ended with great rounds of applause coming from a very satisfied and supportive audience. The entire show was an extraordin­ary production and just as its name implies, it was ‘simply the best’.

The entire show sent the audience on a whirlwind of excitement, fun and joyful experience

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 ?? PICS BY Kushan Pathiraja ??
PICS BY Kushan Pathiraja

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