The Kandyan Kingdom in Sri Lanka is where the ancient dance style known as “Kandyan Dance” first appeared. It is regarded as the national dance of Sri Lanka and is a prominent component of Sri Lankan culture. The dance style is renowned for its supple motions, intricate footwork, and vivid costumes. This essay will examine the origins, traits, subtypes, and importance of the Kandyan dance.
History of Kandyan Dance
The Kandyan Kingdom was founded in the late 15th century, and the Kandyan Dance originates from that time period. The Kandyan aristocracy’s dancers performed this kind of dance as a sort of entertainment for the monarch and his court. Throughout the Kandyan Kingdom, Kandyan dance was a crucial component of religious and cultural festivities.
The dance has changed over time, and several cultures, notably Indian and European, have affected its movements. The South Indian dance style Bharatanatyam, which Tamil immigrants brought to Sri Lanka, has had an impact on Kandyan dance. Kandyan dance is now performed throughout Sri Lanka and has attained prominence on a global scale.
Characteristics of Kandyan Dance
Kandyan dance is renowned for its elegant gestures, intricate footwork, and vivid costumes. The dancers balance extravagant headgear, keep a straight posture, and execute complex moves. Traditional Kandyan music is played to accompany the dance style on instruments including the Geta Beraya, Dawula, and Thammattama.
A key component of Kandyan dancing is the costumes worn by the dancers. The Ves is a white fabric worn around the waist by the male dancers. They also dress in the Nilame Dress, a garment with long sleeves and a frilled collar. Over a pleated skirt, the female dancers don a long-sleeved jacket known as the Osariya.
Types of Kandyan Dance
There are various styles of Kandyan dance, each with its own importance and distinctive style. The Ves Dance, the most well-known sort of Kandyan dance, is presented to honor the Sinhalese people’s triumph over the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. The Ves Netuma, a prop that depicts a hunting weapon, is a distinctive element of the dance.
The Naiyandi Dance is done to show happiness and joy. It is defined by the expressing of emotions through hand movements and facial expressions. The Pantheru Dance is distinguished by the utilization of animal movements and is performed to request blessings from the gods.
The usage of a musical instrument called the Uddekki is distinctive to the Uddekki Dance, which is done to commemorate the harvest season. The Gini Sisila Dance is distinguished by the usage of fire and is performed to request the gods’ blessings for rain.
Training and Learning Kandyan Dance
It takes years of practice to become an expert in the complicated dance style known as Kandyan Dancing. The dance was traditionally taught in gurukulas (traditional schools), where pupils resided with their teachers and mastered the dancing style via practice and observation. Kandyan dance is being taught at universities and dance studios.
Students must have a solid foundation in the fundamental moves and footwork before learning Kandyan dance. Also, they must be familiar with the cultural significance of the dancing style as well as Kandyan music. Online lessons and video tutorials are two contemporary learning techniques for Kandyan dance.
Significance of Kandyan Dance
A crucial component of Sri Lankan culture, Kandyan dance has both religious and cultural significance. It is frequently carried out during religious festivals like the yearly Esala Perahera, a dazzling parade held in Kandy to honor the Buddha’s Holy Tooth Relic. The dance style is frequently showcased at social gatherings like weddings and festivals.
Being a symbol of the nation’s cultural legacy, Kandyan dance is important to Sri Lankan society. Due to the fact that it draws tourists from all over the world, it is also a crucial component of the tourism sector. The Sri Lankan government has taken action to conserve and promote Kandyan dance because it understands its significance.
Kandyan dance is now well-known and well-liked all over the world. It frequently appears at cultural gatherings and festivals abroad, showcasing Sri Lanka’s extensive cultural history. Moreover, the dance style has influenced international choreographers and performers.
The Art of Kandyan Dance
The art of Kandyan dance has a long history in Sri Lankan society. Its background, traits, variety, and significance make it a special dancing style that has mesmerized spectators for generations. The Kandyan Dance has changed and adapted over time, yet it still plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s cultural history. Kandyan Dance is a must-experience that will leave you spellbound and in awe of this exquisite art form, whether you are a Sri Lankan or a visitor.
