In Sri Lanka, the traditional form of dance is called the Kandyan dance
Dance is among the most beautiful forms of art. It has the power to bring people together from different parts of the world. Every dance form is unique and has a fascinating appeal to it. In Sri Lanka, the traditional form of dance is called the Kandyan dance. Named after the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy, this dance is now considered the classical form representing the country.
The Kandyan dance was developed in the period of the Kandyan kings and is believed to have originated from fear of illnesses and natural disasters during the 4th century BC. As the legend goes, a king suffered a mysterious illness in which he had a recurring dream every night of a leopard attacking him. He believed it was the work of his ex-wife, who practiced black magic. He called for Indian shamans to come to the island and perform an exorcism, after which the illness disappeared and the dance they performed during the session flourished everywhere since then.
At the end of the Polpnnaruwa period (15th century AD), South Indian influence was clearly visible in Sri Lanka’s folk dancing as it evolved. During the British rule of Kandy, from 1817 to 1948, the iconic dance was almost lost because of cultural domination imposed by the British Empire. However, it was later revived and now stands as a truly captivating show that attracts people from all around the world.
There are many forms of the Kandyan dance that developed in different parts of Sri Lanka, but all of them are mainly performed to percussion only. The rich sound produced features a highly developed system of “tala” or rhythm. The dancers use cymbals called “Thalampataa” and a set of twin drums played with thin cane drumsticks called “Tammettama,” as well as the two-sided Geta Beraya drum which is beaten directly with the hands of the dancer.
The dance itself is very dynamic and is based on very powerful footwork, leaps, and whirls and you can notice how it evolved from a ritual dance. At first, traditionally, the Kandyan dance was performed by male dancers only. Their costume, referred to as the Ves costume, is very elaborate and includes a specific headdress. The dancer’s chest is covered with a net full of decorative beads and the headdress is a big metallic front that makes the dancer look taller than he is. Anklets and other jewellery are also worn during the dance. Over the years, women started dancing Kandyan as well with outfits derived from the men’s original ones.
You can attend the spectacular show at City Hall in Kandy and witness some of the dancers walk on fire at the end too. Benefit now from the various Sri Lanka holiday packages available, as well as the cheapest flights.
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