"Ingi" (cues)

“Ingi” cues are known as feelings. Emotions as in Western description. Sri Lankan traditional dance forms are associated with three main styles due to cultural heterogeneity, namely Up-country, Low-country & Sabaragamuwa. All these dance forms should be performed with traditional gestures. Gestures can be called ‘Ingi” or cues and “Ingi” are the Feelings. Therefore, it may not be a mistake to think that the great common factor is ‘Ingi” or cues in all dance forms. Native classical dance is a mass cultural tradition based on cues expressed through bodily movements such as eyes, hands, feet, and mouth. The one who masters the artistry is undisputedly recognized as a great dancer.

50 girls and 30 boys from the dance faculty of the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy entered such a meaningful academic path. I am sure today they will be able to captivate the mind and the dancing eyes of the audience for one and half hours by the Choreography of performances nourished by the four gestures and the five-fold melodious tones put together by the dancing masteroes who descend from Mahasara hereditary, taking you, body and soul through 12 performance lines.

1. Song & Dance in Appreciation of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Unveiling as the first item this evening on the stage of ‘Ingi’ will be a creative dance act that shall combine expressive and rhythmic movements to a song that describes how the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha was reverentially brought down to the island of Sri Lanka by Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala, and how it was offered to the people of Sri Lanka for utmost veneration. This dance act comprising of upcountry influenced dance moves to a song that was written by Dr. Iromi Ariyarathna is a Pooja Dance act, symbolizing veneration to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

2. Pantheru

The Pantheruwa is a musical instrument that is essential for the Kavikara Maduwa or the Chamber of Versifiers of the ancient Kandyan kingdom, who would chant the greatness of the Kings. The subtle and soft dance act that remind us of ancient artisans who perform traditional dance displays such as the ‘Soowisi Wiwaranaya’, ‘Pansaalisvasa’ and ‘Sathsathiya’ while holding the musical instrument that resembles the Salamba, or the sacred anklet of Goddess Patthini.

And now presenting to you, a mixed performance of twirls and twists of upcountry dancing with the unique chants dedicated to Lord Buddha, that is perfectly blended to suit modern day contemporary theatre – The Pantheru Dance.

2. Sankalana

Art is always better during a combination, and this unique presentation comprises a collaboration of local dances, singing and instrumental music is performed simultaneously on the same stage that brings together the best of tradition and innovation. Sankalana is such a dance act that shall illustrate the elegance of a woman using singing, music and dance techniques of all three main dance traditions of Sri Lanka, adorned in traditional theatrical costumes and the true flavour of Sri Lankans.

3. Raban

Among the many traditional folk percussion music instruments hailing from Sri Lankan history, the Rabaana or Tambourine also plays a part as a key instrument of the Raban folk dance, which is exclusively of Kandyan origin that also includes several classical elements in it.

The Raban dance act which is displayed today, shall comprise of supporting artistes who would be performing mezmerising dance patterns while singing and ofcourse playing the Rabaana. In addition, a highlighted episode of the Raban dance which is the spinning of the Rabaana will surely beautify your sight, where it is amazing see to see how a single artist shall spin ten to twelve tambourines at the same time and it will surely add colour to the Ingi stage.

4. Angampora

Sri Lanka proudly boasts of our very own heritage of martial arts known as ‘Angam Pora’, and the dance act that will be displayed next is created with the influence of the system of exercises this traditional art. This dance act shall never fail to captivate the audience in wonder, with the use of dance, music, drums and rhythms along with the perfectly choreographed harmony of spins and flips that are endemic to the great culture of Angampora.

5. Indian Dance

As it is time to experience a touch of international influence on this stage, the next dance act shall take us on a tour to our neighbouring country India – a rich land with a multitude of culture and traditions. This dance act is developed using two popular dance traditions of India known as ‘Bhartha Natyam’ and ‘Kathak’. These artists shall perform steps of Bhartha Natyam in the first episode that blends in soulful rhythms of pattens and sounds of Alarippu, Shaddam, Padam and Thilana, While the second episode shall display the taste of Kathak, the dance that is popularly known as the mesmerizing court dance infused with romance. A distinctive feature of this dance is the fine use of theatrical costumes that are unique to both traditions, and it is further intensified by Mridangam and Tabla sounds for both Bhartha Natyam and Kathak respectively.

6. Raksha Dance

The Sri Lankan low country dance tradition shall never be fully described without the craft of masks. The heritage of Masked dances can be classified as an element of the ‘Kolam’ dance rituals which we see from the southern tip of Sri Lanka, and this dance act shall relate the episodes of the Naga Kanya, Naga Raksha and Gurulu Raksha. The Naga Kanya dance shall highlight the elegance of a woman and the value of the dance element has been enhanced with the combination of even parts of the verse. On the other hand, the Naga Raksha and Gurulu Raksha exhibits masculine styled choreography, known as Thandawa characteristics, especially with the body spinning and the battle of the Cobra and the Gurula, a mythical bird where this masquerading scene narrates how the Cobra eventually becomes a victim of the Gurula.

7. Peacock Dance

Among the many different beautiful fauna that is found in Sri Lanka, the Peacock is one of the mist distinct birds in terms of both beauty and reverence. The peacock is known to be the vehicle of Lord Katharagama or God Skanda Kumara and the same bird is culturally represented in the Mayura Wannama, the symphony of the peacock that depicts the elegance beautiful movements of the Peacock in the form of upcountry dance. This creative dance performance combines a mix of vibrance with the moves of the peacock, the way it shall dance with his feathers spread in the symbol of love and happiness. The blend of chants, melodies and creative music shall surely support the beauty of this Peacock dance.

8. Gini Sisila

Get ready to witness one of the most thrilling dance moments that are performed by the fire cooling dance, or Gini Sisila. This stuntful display of dance and energy has roots across all three traditions of Sri Lankan dancing but this particular dance act is exclusive to the ways of the upcountry dance tradition where these dancers have created this element by mixing lyrics, Kastirams, shapes and singing while performing with the stunt of rubbing fire on their bodies. This thrilling element shows that these young artistes have mastered the academic elements to bringout a blast of energy on this stage.

9. Creative Singing

The next performance shall be a treat to your eyes and ears as they shall bring to you a fusion of Hindustani Ragadhari Music and local folk music. A collection of famous songs of the classical music stage shall be performed in this item, with a collection of Naadagam Music, Tribal folk songs and contemporary popular musical hits to showcase the vocal and instrumental talents of our young artistes.

10. Ensemble Percussion Symphony

A fusion of local traditional drums and foreign dole drums shall be the creative key in the next musical performance. Upcountry, Lowcountry and Sabaragamu drums along with the Thammettama and the Horanewa instruments that are used in the playing of Hewisi are used to demonstrate the unique characteristics and beats of those drums. This performance showcases the talents of these artistes, uniqueness of the Sri Dalada Maligawa processions and mix of instrumental characteristics of the Kohomba Kankariya.

11. Wes

The highlight of upcountry dancing shall never be withdrawn from the majestic elegance of the Wes Dance, a unique dance performance that is set on rituals and stage with costumes of upcountry Kandyan dancers that is similar to the clothing of God Kohombaa and the headgear symbolizing the Sun God. These artistes will perform combining classical dances verses of the Kohomba Kankariya while using performance patterns of the Adityana, to demonstrate the exquisiteness and elegance that reminds us all of the great Kandy Esala Perahera. The dancing skills of these young artistes who perform for the offerings of the Dalada relics to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic dressed in refined and elegant stage costumes can be especially appreciated.