Colombo Cultural Show, enjoyable outdoor experience of authentic Sri Lankan dance

Saturday, 1 April 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo Cultural Show showcases beautiful capsule of Sri Lankan dance in picturesque setting

Weekly under the Nuga Tree at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour

There has always been a massive void in Colombo for anyone, local or foreign, to savour a regularly held authentic Sri Lankan cultural show that reflects the diverse dance and drums of Sri Lanka.

The Colombo Cultural Show has filled that void with a sleek, professional and highly engaging cultural show encompassing a repertoire of ten dance and drum items that takes the audience on a journey of upcountry, low country, Sabaragamuwa and folk dances.

Held weekly under the beautiful expanse of the Nuga Tree tucked within the gardens of the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour on Baudhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7, the dance troupe has been carefully curated by Transcend Drive, specifically for the Colombo Cultural Show, with some of the best dancers and drummers in the country.

Besides being a charming troupe dancing in perfect rhythm, feeding off each other’s infectious energy, the dancers also showcase amazing versatility in audience engagement, inviting them to join in some of the dances, which to a visitor is a most memorable experience.

Sitting on comfortable cushions under the canopy of the Nuga Tree which is an extraordinarily beautiful setting for the Colombo Cultural Show, while sipping a fresh fruit juice and munching on crispy cassava chips (all included in the entrance ticket), the show begins at a punctual 6.30 pm. It runs for a total of 70 minutes after which the audience is once again allowed to interact with the troupe, taking photographs and selfies as they please.

The show begins with a traditional pooja dance to the accompaniment of melodious lilting lyrics embellished by Sri Lankan drums, to the vibrant dance of the masks, going into the skilful artistry of the twirling rabanas (disc shaped drums). Add the comedic Salu Paliya, the Kandyan Ves danced originally only at the Temple of the Tooth, Thelme the most famous of low country dances and a trip to the paddy field for the harvest dance and you’ve got a pretty good idea of the diversity of Sri Lankan dance.

The awesome fire dance is proceeded with the drum orchestra, bringing out some friendly yet skilful competition within the drum troupe and your journey of dance and drums in Sri Lanka is more than complete! Tickets are available at all leading hotels and will even be delivered in and around Colombo, while transport is provided to and from the venue for in-house guests.

- Pix by Ruwan Walpola