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Since its inception in 1998, the Sri Lanka Youth Dance Troupe has been a part of many projects, workshops and live performances, which has helped the members to build an understanding and friendship
with many organizations and communities in the region.
The Sri Lanka Youth Dance Troupe has carried out special projects tailored towards special interest groups such as theatre artistes, who are interested in incorporating Sri Lankan dance into their theatre plays. In order to achieve this goal, the dance troupe has sponsored internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan dancers and drummers to Ottawa to conduct special workshops for both actors and drummers. The Odyssey Theatre in Ottawa, has partnered the Sri Lanka Youth Dance Troupe since its inception and has sponsored several of these workshops, in 1999 and in 2002. The tour of Prof. Piyasara Shilpadhipathi and Prasanna Rupatillake, in 2002 was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada, and the workshops conducted by the Odyssey Theatre was televised as a part of the "Studio 2" programme by TV Ontario. The dance troupe also presented its first 14 part presentation, "Nirtha Ranga" to the Canadian public, presenting the two artistes.
The following events are some of our achievements:
1999: - Celebration of Independence organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission
- New Year celebrations in Montreal organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Montreal
- Workshops by Prof. Piyasara Shilpadhipathi with Odyssey Theatre.
2000: - Independence Day Celebrations by the Sri Lanka High Commission
- Carnival of Cultures – City of Ottawa
- Museum of Nature – a programme for children that shows respect for nature
2002: - Independence Day Celebrations – SLHC
- Presentation of Nirtha Ranga with Prof. Shilpadhipathi and Prasanna Rupatillake
- Dance /Drum workshops with Odyssey Theatre
2003-2004: No Activity
2005:
- Turkish Dance Festival at the Arts Court Theatre as guest artistes
- Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa
2006:
- Trinity Project - A programme to raise funds for Tsunami Relief
- Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa
2007:
- Nirtha Ranga 2007 with Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa as guest artistes
- Multicultural show organized by Revenue Canada
- Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa
2008:
- Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Montreal
- Sri Lankan New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa
- National Wildlife Week Celebrations at the Museum of Nature
- Department of Foreign Affairs - Thai / Sri Lanka New Year Celebrations
- Asian Heritage Celebrations at the Department of National Defence, Ottawa
- Pansilu Sandhavniya Variety show at the Kailash Mital Theatre, Carleton University
- Annual Cultural Show organized by the Sri Lanka-Canada Sinhala Association of Montreal
2009:
- Sri Lankan Independence Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka High Commission of Ottawa
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebrations hosted by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa
- Carnival of Cultures
- Department of Natural Resources - 'Diversity in Motion'
- Asia Festival at Confederation Park, Ottawa
- Performance at Andrew Hayden Park as part of the Maple Leaf Association's drive to support the Ottawa Food Bank.
- Nirtha Ranga at the Kailash Mital Theatre, Carleton University, Ottawa
2010:
- NCC – performance for the Multicultural week
- Kanata & Ottawa Music Academy "Echoes of Winter 2010" – A fundraiser for CHEO
- 8th International gala to celebrate the Asian Heritage month held at the Museum of Civilization
- Carnival of Cultures
- Nepalese Association - food drive for the Ottawa Food Bank
Our Students
Our journey so far would not have been possible without the participation, dedication and hard work of our students. Listed below are
the students who not only make a vital contribution to the dance troupe but also have come to love our traditions and customs as much as the dancers in Sri Lanka.
We appreciate and value each and everyone one of them |
Natasha Neal
Director-Programming GTA
-Board Member-
Natasha was one of the first students who joined the dance troupe in 1998 and has performed in all of the presentations. She has a keen interest to continue with her dancing as she hopes to pursue a medical career in the future. |
Upeksha Fernando
Upeksha, is another member who has been studying dancing since 1998. A graceful dancer, who has gained a lot of experience over the last 11 years, she hopes to continue further training in dancing. |
Nethmi Dewpura (15 years old)
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
Has studied dancing for the last 7 years |
