Naomi Rajaratnam’s ‘Epic Black’ in August to pay tribute to resilience and power of dance

The well-known dance production house, With My Feet, is set to stage ‘Epic Black’ choreographed by Naomi Rajaratnam – the legendary dancer and choreographer. Showcasing diverse dance disciplines, Epic Black will take to the stage on 9-11 August at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. 

The event will add to With My Feet’s long line of stellar performances, whilst also serving as a heartfelt tribute to the late Trevor Rajaratnam – a driving force behind With My Feet, and also the former CEO of Mackinnons Travels, Vice President of Sri Lanka Cricket, and President of the Amateur Dance Association – who passed away on 13 February this year. His unyielding spirit, legacy, and conviction that “the show must go on” lives on in With My Feet and its troupe. 

Since its inception in 2000, With My Feet has captivated audiences spanning generations with several exceptional dance productions. Over the past 22 years, the company has staged memorable performances such as With My Feet (2000), With My Feet Through Time (2003), Celebrations (2005), Ensemble (2006), Living Stones (2008), Resurrection (2017), Grace & Glory (2019), Absolute Joy (2022), and Dance Epicure (2023) – Colombo’s first dinner dance theatre concept.

The upcoming show, Epic Black promises to be a spectacle showcasing various dance disciplines, including Latin American, Ballroom, Contemporary, and Fusion, performed by an array of internationally-recognised talent. Among the highlights will be performances by the UK’s five-time undefeated National Champion, Gunnar Gunnarsson, and Manuja Hughes, the Blackpool Open Smooth Champion. Additionally, Professional Ballroom European Champions and Professional World Champions, Roman Sukhomlyn and Jackie Stevenson, will grace the stage. These performers, known for their exceptional abilities and technical prowess, are expected to deliver sublime performances that are sure to enthral Colombo’s audiences.

The theme of Epic Black revolves around the concept of ‘from darkness to light’, symbolising life’s journey and transitions. This theme is intricately woven into every element of the production, from the music and costumes to the stagecraft. Naomi Rajaratnam’s signature choreography, renowned for its masterful exhibition of dance and complex aerial lifts, spins, and turns, will be a central feature, treating the audience to a visually stunning performance that is sure to evoke plenty of awe.

Naomi Rajaratnam’s vision extends beyond the stage. She is dedicated to uplifting dance in Sri Lanka by providing opportunities for promising talent from rural areas to shine on both local and international stages. She is also steadfast in her commitment to social causes. Accordingly, as has been the practice in her past shows, a significant part of the proceeds from Epic Black will go towards the Dev Siri Sevana Elders Home in Welisara. The home offers free admissions and care for elders, regardless of race or religion.

Naomi Rajaratnam said: “Epic Black is a celebration of life and resilience. Through our performances, we aim to celebrate the light within each of us, and the circular nature of life. With this show, we would also like to honour the memory of my late husband, Trevor Rajaratnam, who was always a pillar of strength for me, and for us at With My Feet. His passion for dance and life inspired us to find light even in the darkest of times, and we hope we can do the same for our audience with the performances we have in store.”

This time around, the show is being managed by a new and talented team, who have been able to secure plenty of coverage and reach, both in Sri Lanka and beyond. Once again, due to the high demand from an international audience and by additionally featuring international dancers, Epic Black will be offering digital seats and e-tickets for the evening. 

With My Feet takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to its sponsors, Union Assurance (main sponsor), SriLankan Airlines, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Warehouse Project, Maliban Biscuits, South Beach Weligama, SOZO, Mackinnons Travels, Elephant House, Shangdong Chinese Kitchen, Dimitri Crusz Photography together with the print media sponsor, Wijeya Publications, and the electronic media sponsor Sun FM.