An arabesque of flawless proportions; a volta that seduces its audience to sway along to the alluring Samba rhythm; a promenade hesitation that causes you to hold your breath with envy; and behind it all, one woman - who has grown to legendary magnitude in the hearts of dancers of all ages, shapes, and expertise. Naomi Rajaratnam requires no introduction in Sri Lanka’s performance-art scene, but with the two-year lapse in on-stage artistic expression due to the pandemic, a commendation to her upcoming production “With my feet – Absolute Joy” is - an absolute must.

Sitting in at one of Naomi’s rehearsals, it’s difficult to remain a composed and passive onlooker – the music, choreography, and costumes – all appear to be designed to force me to the edge of my seat and deceive me into believing that my arm-chair restricted movement is in union with the dancers’ 1,2,3,4 and 1! But as Naomi explains, this is all part of the experience.

“If the audience doesn’t feel captivated by the performance in front of them, if it doesn’t take them out of the mundane, then it hasn’t achieved its purpose” she confirms. With Naomi’s lineup of genres and complex choreography, this would be a difficult feat if the right dancers were not up on stage, but this particular production brings together some of the island’s best and technically apt ballroom, Latin American and Oriental dancers. The familiar names and faces are also a telling reminder of the respect afforded to Naomi, who counts this as her 9th dance production. 

With My Feet – Absolute Joy goes on stage on 8th, 9th, and 10th April at the Bishop's College auditorium, with tickets out in the coming weeks, both online and through manual box office bookings. For updates and behind-the-scenes footage follow the production’s Instagram page @withmyfeet_absolutejoy