What is South Asian dance?

Kandyan Dance

A guide to Kandyan Dance

Kandyan Dance encompasses various dance forms popular and native to the area called Kandy of the Central Hills region known as Udarata in Sri Lanka, which have today spread to other parts of the country. It is an example of Sinhalese culture in Sri Lanka and is regarded as the classical dance tradition of Sri Lanka. Kandyan dancers are traditionally performed only by male dancers. The technique, partly derived from South India, focuses on dynamism, powerful footwork, leaps and whirls. It has a vast repertoire, partly originating from an ancient indigenous ritual dance, partly influenced by South Indian dances.

Sources: Wikipedia, Asian Traditional Theatre and Dance

Artists from Kandyan Dance Company at Akademi curated Devonshire Square Diwali event, 2023. Photo: Akademi Archives

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