“Dance is my world” – Wendy Marico Perera-Marasinghe

26 year old Wendy Marico Perera-Marasinghe is a dancer cum choreographer whose journey through the world of ballet and contemporary dance began at the tender age of five. Under the careful guidance of ballet instructor Hannelore Imig-Jayasundera, she took her first steps in the field and then moved on to become a Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher. A product of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, she possesses a Higher Diploma in Dance from the Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore/Open University of UK, a Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and ATCL Musical Theatre from Trinity College London.

Even at a young age, Wendy has managed to work on many projects and leave her own unique mark on them. Choreography, to her, is creating. ‘I love finding new things to bring inspiration and from there research and form the movement to express what it is I or the director wishes to express. It is very satisfying seeing what you visualise in your head being transformed into life by the bodies of the dancers,” she said. “Dance is my world. It is my escape, my form of expression, my happy place!”

Her experience with professional choreography started during her time at Lasalle Singapore, as choreography and collaboration were part of the intensive curriculum for dance students there. Since then, she’s moved on to choreograph for various performances which include full length dance performances, musicals, choral shows etc.

Her most recent project is with ‘You’ve Got it Pussycat’, an adaptation of Judith Prior’s original musical ‘What’s new Pussycat?’ which is being directed by Jjith Pieris and presented by The English Union of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, and staged on 13, 14 and 15 June at the school auditorium.

What is the role of a choreographer - to inspire, to teach or to lead?

I think it involves all three. Inspiring them to move their bodies to express what they feel, teaching them to bring out the best they can and leading them to be a more confident performers and individuals.

What are the skills one needs to become a choreographer?

I am a firm believer in solid dance training. It does not have to be ballet. But at least teacher level training in any classical form of dance may it be Ballet, Ballroom, Latin American, Kandyan, Bharathanatyam etc. While this only makes you an accomplished choreographer in that particular dance form one must always take classes in as many dance styles to widen your scope and skills.

Other than that another very crucial skill is teaching. When choreographing, unless you are working with professional dancers, one must be able to teach the routine, whatever the style, to even a beginner. As a choreographer you can make the choreography to suit the individual or group you are working with so the capability of working with dancers of different levels is a must.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There are many challenges and the most challenging will be according to the situation. For example when working with a school that stages a show, one has to choreograph to a wide variety of students with varying capabilities of dance in one group. But when working with a specialised dance school like I have done with my own school it will be incorporating enough elements to bring out individual talents. Another challenge is creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere to work in every day, especially with children.

Top five essentials for choreography?

I have 3 key questions when creating work: What is the inspiration? - music, theme, emotion etc. Which dance form or style? Who? - capability of the group or individual. Then 2 important things: Patience and Constant modifications.

What’s the experience been like with the latest production ‘You’ve Got it Pussycat’?

It has been a lot of fun working with the Familians. Being a past Familian myself, it brings back memories of the many performances that I was a part of. The girls have been very committed and have worked hard to absorb everything thrown their way. I can say that I have given some complicated routines and they have been up to the challenge. So much so that some of them will ask if they can add some nuances to make it even more visually appealing. Working with Jith and Rapti has been great as always and I encourage everyone to come and see the end product if you can get your hands on a ticket.

 

By Jennifer Rodrigo