Sri Lankan traditional dance is a mesmerizing blend of rhythmic precision, vibrant costumes, and deep-rooted spirituality. For centuries, these dance forms have served as more than just entertainment; they are ritualistic offerings, historical narratives, and a means of seeking divine protection. The island’s dance heritage is broadly categorized into three main styles based on geography: Kandyan Dance (Hill Country), Low Country Dance (Southern Plains), and Sabaragamuwa Dance.
1. Kandyan Dance (Uda Rata Natum)
The Kandyan dance is the most iconic of Sri Lanka’s performing arts. Originating from an ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya, it was initially performed only by men. According to legend, the dance was first performed by Indian shamans to cure a King of a recurring dream-sickness.
The dancers wear the spectacular Ves costume, which includes a glistening silver headdress, breastplates made of decorative beads, and heavy anklets that accentuate the rhythmic footwork. The dance is characterized by five distinct sequences, including movements that mimic animals, such as the graceful Gajaga Vannama (Elephant dance) and the Mayura Vannama (Peacock dance). The rhythm is provided by the Geta Beraya, a drum shaped like a barrel and played with the hands.
2. Low Country Dance (Pahatha Rata Natum)
While Kandyan dance is regal and athletic, Low Country dance—performed primarily in the southern coastal areas—is highly theatrical and ritualistic. It is best known for the Devil Dances (Tovil), which are performed to exorcise evil spirits or cure illnesses believed to be caused by demons (Yakkas).
The most striking feature of this style is the use of Kolam masks. These masks, carved from light Kaduru wood, represent various characters, from kings and villagers to fearsome demons. The Dahata Paliya and Sanni Yakuma are famous rituals where dancers wear specific masks to represent different diseases (like blindness or fever), ultimately “banishing” the ailment through dance and comedy. The primary drum used here is the Yak Beraya, played with both hands.
3. Sabaragamuwa Dance (Sabaragamuwa Natum)
Originating from the Ratnapura district, this style is a middle ground between the Kandyan and Low Country forms. It is primarily performed to worship the God Saman. The movements are more grounded, and the dancers use the Dawula, a drum played with one hand and one stick. This dance style is essential during the annual festivals of the Saman Devalaya.
4. Folk Dances
Beyond the classical forms, Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of folk dances performed during harvests and village festivals:
- Lee Keli (Stick Dance): Dancers strike wooden sticks together in complex rhythmic patterns.
- Kalagedi Natum (Pot Dance): Female dancers perform with clay pots, often tossing them in the air to the beat of the music.
- Raban Natum: Dancers spin large hand-drums (Raban) on poles or their fingers while performing acrobatic feats.
Traditional Sri Lankan Dances
- Which dance style is considered the national dance of Sri Lanka? A. Sabaragamuwa B. Kandyan C. Low Country D. Lee Keli Answer: B
- The “Ves” costume is exclusively associated with which dance form? A. Devil Dancing B. Kolam C. Kandyan Dance D. Pot Dance Answer: C
- Which drum is traditionally used in Kandyan dancing? A. Yak Beraya B. Dawula C. Geta Beraya D. Thammattama Answer: C
- The “Gajaga Vannama” mimics the movements of which animal? A. Peacock B. Lion C. Elephant D. Cobra Answer: C
- What is the primary purpose of the “Sanni Yakuma” ritual in Low Country dance? A. To celebrate a harvest B. To exorcise demons of disease C. To welcome a king D. To ask for rain Answer: B
- Which wood is traditionally used to carve Sri Lankan dance masks? A. Teak B. Mahogany C. Kaduru D. Ebony Answer: C
- The “Dawula” drum is the signature instrument of which dance style? A. Sabaragamuwa B. Kandyan C. Low Country D. Bharatanatyam Answer: A
- “Kolam” is a form of dance drama most popular in which region? A. The North B. The Hill Country C. The Southern Coast D. The East Answer: C
- The “Kohomba Kankariya” is an ancient ritual that gave birth to: A. Mask making B. Kandyan Dance C. Stick Dance D. Drumming contests Answer: B
- Which folk dance involves female dancers tossing clay pots? A. Raban Natum B. Lee Keli C. Kalagedi Natum D. Mayura Natum Answer: C
- The “Yak Beraya” is played with: A. Two sticks B. One stick and one hand C. Both hands D. Two mallets Answer: C
- The “Mayura Vannama” depicts the movements of a: A. Swan B. Peacock C. Deer D. Monkey Answer: B
- How many “Vannamas” (rhythmic descriptions) are there in classical Kandyan dance? A. 12 B. 18 C. 24 D. 32 Answer: B
- The silver headdress of a Kandyan dancer is a symbol of: A. The Moon B. The Sun C. The King’s crown D. Religious purity Answer: C
- What is the main difference between Sabaragamuwa and Kandyan drumming? A. The drum size B. Use of a stick (Dawula) C. The material of the drum D. The speed only Answer: B
- “Lee Keli” is a traditional dance performed using: A. Swords B. Pots C. Sticks D. Fans Answer: C
- Which character is often the “hero” in a Kolam mask play? A. The Demon B. The King C. The Monk D. The Soldier Answer: B
- In Kandyan dance, the rhythmic footwork is emphasized by: A. Heavy boots B. Brass anklets (Gingiri) C. Wooden floors D. Clapping Answer: B
- The “Thammattama” is a twin-drum used primarily in: A. Wedding dances B. Buddhist temple rituals C. Harvesting D. Lullabies Answer: B
- Which of these is a female-led traditional folk dance? A. Ves Dance B. Sanni Yakuma C. Kalagedi Natum D. Fire Dance Answer: C