We call Sri Lanka ‘The pearl of the Indian Ocean’, but imagine a pearl
inside a pearl. Yes, Shamitha Ruchiran Hettige is called just that. He is
one of the star dancers from Sri Lanka who has gained popularity all
over the world with his brilliant talent. Shamitha is an established
Kandyan and contemporary dancer, performer and teacher from
Colombo, Sri Lanka. I spoke with Shamitha in detail about all his dance
training and achievements and this is what he had to say:
1. Tell me all about your dance training?
I began my dance training at the age of 9, under legendary dancers
Channa Wijewardana and Upuli Panibharatha. My training ranges from
traditional Kandyan, modern dance and French ballet techniques. I am
humbled that I am lauded for my flawless and geometrically fine jumps
rooting from Kandyan and other traditional dance forms of Srilanka. Ever
since the age of 16, I have represented my country and Channa Upuli
dance troupe at more than 60 countries and prestigious venues.
2. You have performed extensively which has been your most
memorable show?
Oh my lord, there are many that are close to my heart Sandip, as a lead
performer at Carnival of culture 2012, at Berlin to grab Srilanka the
winning title Male lead in “Thala” a production encompassing various
Srilankan & contemporary styles of dance performed at Kennedy Center,
Washington, Miller Outdoor theatre, Houston. It was the same
production that toured main cities of Australia, New Zealand, UAE, US,
Europe and Japan. I also fondly remember when I played the lead role
of Sidhartha, in “Buddha” dance ballet presented to the international
convention of Buddhist representatives in Srilanka, “King Ashoka” at
Museus College Auditorium and “Siyapath silu”, a production based on a
folk tale of Srilanka.
Also what is close to my heart is when I led a team of dancers to
represent Srilanka at The Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting, held in Colombo, Srilanka. Another one where I played the
male lead pairing with Upuli Panibharata, for “Kuweni” production at
California. Played the central role in Sannaliyane, another well
acclaimed dance production in Srilanka. I can go on and on. You know,
dance has made me travel the world, I have had the privilege of
performing and representing my country on many key stages of Russia,
Japan, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Singapore,
Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, China, India,
Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Each of my travel and
my show is etched in my heart forever.
3. Tell me more about your work?
I am also the founder of Playmore, Srilanka’s and India’s first trampoline
based fitness studio. As a teacher I has been imparting dance
knowledge to hundreds of students on behalf of Channa-Upuli dance
academy as well as on my own. I have an active set of students from
around the globe learning Kandyan online. My hunger to learn never
stops, I am currently learning Sri Lankan traditional drums, Mayur Bhanj
Chhau, Kalaripayattu and exploring pedagogies of other traditional arts
forms of South Asia. I have recently performed for Trikaaya dance
academy’s online festival and Art of living’s World forum for arts &
culture.
4. Sri Lanka is very rich in its culture just like India, what
similarities do you see?
Like every country, Sri Lanka is proud of its culture and traditions and
has its own unique character. The common denominator we share is
that we both have great respect and love for nature. Like India we too
have many festivals in our tradition. You know the initial posture of the
Kandyan dance tradition is similar to that of Kathakali dance in Kerala,
with dance elements varying from story to region and culture to region.
In both countries the dance is considered sacred and is part of the
temple rituals. Also, many of the movements of Kandyan dance are
similar to most of the traditional dances of India, but its main
morphological variations are as inherent as those of other traditional
dances, like India, we also have dance forms with characterization and
story-telling.
5. How is the dance scene in Sri Lanka?
There are mixed type of dancers in Sri Lanka. Traditional, modern and
both. Traditional and modern dance is evolving and is now appealing to
the younger generation. I see that they are interested in learning dance
with the right techniques. What I also know is that creating love for
dance in a student is totally in the hands of the teacher and their
parents. The teacher needs to encourage and guide every step of the
student as well as introduce innovative methods of teaching and
learning. And on the other hand parents need to extend support and
understanding. Money plays a major role for students who want to learn
but cannot afford the tuition fee and, on the slip side, students who can
afford the fee but have no interest in dancing. So that's a crucial part,
but for those who really love dance, as adults we should offer free
lessons, or work to give the student a scholarship. However, I believe
that the student's willingness to pursue an aesthetic subject such as
dance and respect for that subject is very important.
6. How do you rate Sri Lankan dancers compared to dancers
from other parts of the world?
I believe there is no such comparison. Our dance form is still coming out
with its name. It is certainly not as well-known as some forms of dance,
but it has actually attracted the attention of many outside Sri Lanka,
especially in Europe and Asia. Anything very traditional does not get
much attention in the modern developing world. Only contemporary
styles have emerged, but the techniques used in it are traditional in a
new way and I see it as a development. Many dancers realize its value
and return to the roots.
7. What would you say is your goal in life?
I wish to have a dance school where students can come, learn, live and
share knowledge, in India you call it the Gurukul. I am currently working
extensively for it. Otherwise, I will continue to practice and learn other
dance techniques while teaching my students.
Whenever Shamitha has a dance show, he puts in all his efforts,
learning to dance has always been his ongoing process and it is
happening even now for him. He is always blooming with ideas for which
he trains his students extremely well. As an actor, he travels extensively
for concerts and teaching workshops around the world. So if you are in
Sri Lanka or know that he is performing in your country his show is never
to be missed.
