Venkat Raman
One of the most popular and cherished performing troupes of Sri Lanka will be in Auckland later this month to gratify lovers of classical arts.
The Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble will present ‘Thaala 2017,’ with high notes of the Rhythms of Sri Lanka at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School located at 16, Howe Street in Newton, Auckland on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation (NZSLF) is organising the event as a part of its mission to promote the rich cultural and social heritage of Sri Lanka since its establishment 20 years ago.
National Asset
Widely respected and admired as the ‘National Asset,’ the Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble is currently on a world tour showcasing its talent. New Zealand is the penultimate stop for ‘Thaala 2017,’ following scintillating performances in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Japan. The troupe will enthral audiences in Melbourne, Australia, before taking the new direct Melbourne-Colombo service of Sri Lankan Airlines.
“The performance of Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble and the inauguration of the new Sri Lankan Airlines flight in the Melbourne-Colombo sector will boost the cultural and trade relations between the two countries. The next step in promoting New Zealand-Sri Lanka relations would be the opening of the Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington and the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo,” officials said.
About Channa
The Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble has brought international recognition to Sri Lanka. Channa Wijewardena specialises in all forms of traditional and creative dancing in Sri Lanka – namely Kandyan, Sabaragamuwa and his own creative modern ballet.
His modern dance, which he calls “Body Language,” is also based on ‘Thribanga,’ signifying the three curves of the woman’s body and is a flexible style performed by his graceful dancers.
Channa’s performances also include all types of traditional Sri Lankan drum patterns with a judicial mix of contemporary and modern styles.
His wife Upuli possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of dancing and holds a Special Degree in Fine Arts.
Worldwide appreciation
In 1998, Channa-Upuli Dance Troupe had the privilege of performing in the presence of the Prince of Wales at the Presidential House when Sri Lanka celebrated its 50 years of independence.
In 1999, they performed in New Zealand mesmerising a packed audience and appeared on TV under the special programme of Asia Dynamic.
The Channa-Upuli troupe has performed in many famous theatres, including Sadler’s Well Theatre and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the UK, the Sydney Opera House and the Regent Theatre in Australia.
This dance troupe brought great pride to Sri Lanka when they won first place out of 178 countries participating in the Lions Parade at the International Lions Convention in Denver in 2003. They also participated in the International Lions Convention in Hong Kong in 2004, Chicago in 2007 and Thailand in 2008.
Awards and Accolades
Channa has won many awards, both locally and internationally, for his dance achievements, including the honorary award for “Performing Arts” from the Japanese government. In 2005 the President of Sri Lanka awarded Channa the highest honorary award ‘Kala Shuri.’
Further information about the forthcoming show can be obtained from Sarath Pannila on 021-818346 or Jayasena Widanagamage on 022-6151600.
Photo Caption:
- A highlight of ‘Thaala 2017’
- Performers of the Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble
