Jun 08 2015.
views 3767Umeshi Rajeendra : A boost to the Sri Lankan dancing arena
Creativity is a phenomenon that makes the world an interesting place to live in. While being entrapped in a monotonous life, sometimes we need to shake our thinking patterns to refresh our lifestyles. Umeshi Rajeendra is one such individual, who strongly believes in creativity. Having had a passion for dancing ever since she was 4 years old, Umeshi has grown up with time to enrich a rich landscape of genres and styles such as contemporary dance, jazz, ballet, hip hop and Kandyan dancing. While getting ready for her inaugural concert, 'Genesis', Umeshi spoke to the Daily Mirror Life about dancing and her career.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I started dancing at the age of 4 and took lessons from Ms. Kanthi Ranchigoda. From age 4 to 18 I studied ballet, hip hop, jazz and free style dance. Actually through dancing I was able to set myself free and from this I developed a passion to move forward from dancing. Then I joined the Denison University in the US and graduated with a BA in Dance and a BA in Economics with a political science minor. Thereafter I pursued it as a career.
How were you inspired to do dancing?
It was my childhood dream. I wanted to lset myself free and even when I was young I really enjoyed dancing. When I was at Denison, my professor really helped me to bring out the best in me and pursue it as a career. When I was in the US I realised that dancing is a huge area and I love to teach. So afterwards I decided to open up a school because the dance platform in Sri Lanka is very low and I want to lift it to international standards.
Do you think you have competition?
I do not see it as competition. I see it as avenues of growth. I think it is important to have different types of dance schools and a variety, so one can learn from different teachers and grow. Mesh Academy of Dance is different to other dance schools in that we are the first experimental dance school that teaches dance through an interdisciplinary approach by providing international and professional level training. We will be sending students to get a summer dance camp training at university level and also bringing down teachers and professors from the US to teach for two weeks in a term. At the same time we will be bringing down students from overseas for auditions when there are international events and tours.
Should dancing be made compulsory in schools according to your perception?
Yes, provided that the students agree with it. In his speech, Ken Robinson said that creativity is what is lacking. So dance and arts should improve and we are trying to open the arena for those who want to move around and free themselves. At least if schools cannot make it a compulsory subject, my suggestion is that it should at least be made an option. Teaching is not just asking students to do all the moves; they should also be educated about why they are doing those moves. Dancing is an educative form of art and it also should be taught in that way.
What is the benefit they get from joining Mesh Academy?
They will get to understand the application of creativity and critical analysis through dance, which in turn will be applied to other areas of study since we offer the only dance education in partnership with liberal arts colleges. It also helps in character development. Through this they will develop their self esteem and confidence. So term wise we will ensure that they build up these qualities while becoming versatile professionals. Of course some of them will take longer to improve but we will assist them to move forward. After all, embracing oneself is the best ability you can ever have.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Nisal Baduge
0 Comments
Rohantha says:
Jun 14, 2015 at 12:00 amI am sorry, but the 3rd photograph is horrific. Sri Lankan young girls showing their bottoms wearing panties and dancing is not our culture. Just because Europeans do these things does not mean that we too can. Now, do White people learn our dances in the United States.
md says:
Jun 15, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha, if the first thing you noticed were the bottoms, you're the problem, not them. Pervert.
TONY OF SYDNEY says:
Jun 16, 2015 at 12:00 amRohan, Not sure what plannet you are coming from. Mate this is the new world. You either join the new world or die being a looser. No wonder SL is so ackward. Common mate grow up.
Rohantha Modaya says:
Jun 16, 2015 at 12:00 amGrow up dawg.
Susantha says:
Jun 16, 2015 at 12:00 amIt is great to see the Ballet development in Sri Lanka. One of my dreams is to see our lil daughter grow up with Ballet in the future.
lefteye says:
Jun 16, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha, you stupid neanderthal. Go back to the hole you crawled out of. You would'nt see girls bottom then.
Rohantha FanclubMember005 says:
Jun 17, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha its funny the first you noticed is young girls showing their bottoms! This speaks volumes of your personal character. In fact many studies show that womanizers and rapist notice the same when shown images of this sort. Also Sri Lanka is generally considered a non racist nation, What with the racism towards white people in America?
TeeJay says:
Jun 17, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha, I can't believe you chose a public forum to display your ignorance and frustration. So let me break it down for you so that your delicate mind can process this fine art. 1. What you call "panties" is actually the classical tutu - typical ballet costume worn by female ballet dancers. Google for more info, if you like. 2. You seem to know very little of our culture. Every been to Sigiriya? 3. Why are we holding back our country by simply stating that we cannot do what other nations d
CS says:
Jun 18, 2015 at 12:00 amhoo! hoo! Rohantha modya wuna :P
Greg says:
Jun 22, 2015 at 12:00 amWell said..Tee Jay.. this monkey has no clue what his talking about
Ahmed says:
Jun 23, 2015 at 12:00 amI agree with TeeJay This guy should jump back in the hole he came from? I really wish there was more people in SL who were open to all cultures..
Samanmali says:
Jun 24, 2015 at 12:00 amWho the Pervert!! Who the Pervert!!
Pervert says:
Jun 25, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha beats me at my own game!
Manel says:
Jul 01, 2015 at 12:00 amRohantha is right. You can use fancy words like "tutu", but in reality it is just a pantie. Nothing else. I suppose you highly "westernized", "modern", people who think whites really consider you as equals will want to : (1.) your daughters wearing full bikini to the beach. (2.) Grandmothers wearing bikini to the beach. Basically grandmothers in under-wear. Quite to our culture I suppose. (3.) Sex among teenagers. Quite the range in your "masters" countries. (4.) Living together before marriage