Sri Lankan Traditional Dancing Styles

 

                                                                    Sri Lankan traditional dancing styles represent colorful, attractive, and educational movements. That dancing style encompasses several distinct styles. Udarata (Kandyan), Pahatharata (low country), and Sabaragamuwa dancing styles are very famous among these dancing styles. Additionally, Devil Dance, Folk Dance, Naiyandi Dance, Raban Dance, and Udekki dancing styles are included in traditional dancing styles in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan traditional dancing styles can be seen with unique features, costumes, movements, and musical accompaniment. These dancing styles have a very old history. Most of the dancing styles continue through father & son relationship generations. Some Sri Lankan traditional dancing styles continue from teacher to student. (next generation)

Udarata/Kandyan Dancing Style.

                       Udarata dance is a world-famous classic dance style. It originated from the Kandy area. It deeply emphasizes Sinhalese traditions and is historically performed in religious rituals and royal ceremonies. The Udarata dancing style symbolizes the Sri Lankan nation’s spirituality, power, and devotion. This dancing team is singing local songs, dancing and leaps following traditional drum sounds. That dancing sight and hearing feel strange to body & mind.

                                    Udarata dancers wear a special costume, which is called a Ves. Before the official start of the dance of this dancer’s journey, he/she shows talent through a special event. It is called “Ves mangalya.” The Udarata dancers have special body rhythm. Their body balancing and dancing steps are very attractive.

Pahatharata/ Low country Dancing style.

                              Pahatharata dancing style is another most popular dancing style among Sri Lanka. It originated in Matara area. This dancing style use for deeply ritualistic, traditionally used in Shanthikarma (blessing rituals) and Thovil (exorcism events). Pahatharata dancing style most uses costume is mask. Various type of devil mask use for dancing this events. Traditional Musical instrument is Yak beraya. Dancing background preparing special decorating using by coconut and beetle trees. This dancing style and stanzas continue on very secretly.

                                       Generally these dancing styles are used for blessing purposes or to curse some opposite one. When starting, dance rhythm very slowly, but at the end, very expressively & high-sounding. If it hasn’t been experienced before, it will be very fearful to listeners.

Sabaragamuwa Dancing style.

                 This dancing style originated in the Rathnapura area. It is used for worshiping local deities, especially Goddess Pattini and Goddess Maha Kiri Amma. It is conducted for blessing everyone. Sabaragamuwa dancing is arranged at Buddhist temples or public grounds for these events. This dancing style combines with ritualistic and entertainment elements. Most of time facial expression and delicate hand gestures (mudras) use on this dance.

                                                 Main music instrument is Davula, otherwise Horane, Thammattama and Conch shells to conduct these dancing events