Dance in Sri Lanka
In Sanskrit terminology it is considered pure dance (nrtta); it features a highly developed system of "tala" (rhythm), provided by cymbals called "thalampataa".
This is a graceful dance, also performed in Maha Visnu (Vishnu) and Kataragama Devales temples on ceremonial occasions.
Its name comes from the uddekki, a small lacquered hand drum in the shape of an hourglass, about seven and one-half inch (1.3 centimeters) high, believed to have been given to people by the gods.
Ancient Sinhala texts refer to a considerable number of vannam that were only sung; later they were adapted to solo dances, each expressing a dominant idea.
History reveals that the Kandyan king Sri Weeraparakrama Narendrasinghe gave considerable encouragement to dance and music.
It is said that the kavi (poetry sung to music) for the eighteen principal vannam were composed by an old sage named Ganithalankara, with the help of a Buddhist priest from the Kandy temple.
This wonderful art was give up by most of original inheritors with modernizing of society and also due to lack of sponsorship from responsible parties.
Gunathilaka (Dean of Department of Fine Art, University of Kelaniya 1978 -1992, who carried out a research for low country dance of Sri Lanka ), Art of Kolam Dance and Mask carving is originated in Ambalangoda, by Tukka Wadu generation many years ago and there are enough evidence.
Late Professor Sarachchandra, Ediriweera also collected resources from Mr. Tukka Wadu Gunadasa for this stage drama ' Maname " "Maname " is one of the kolam item/ drama belongs to the Tukka Wadu Generation One and only '''''Conservation Center for Traditional Kolam Dance and Mask''''' in the country which was made under the sponsorship of Government of Sri Lanka is located in Ancestral Home of Tukka Wadu Generation, Maha- Ambalangoda, Ambalangoda Basically Kolam dance is consist with - * General characters who lived during monarchy * Imaginary characters (very special dancing styles ) * Popular legends and folktales * Religion stories connected to Buddha's previous life You can get more from above ''Conservation Center...'' (Reference - 01 - ' Mask and Mask System of Sri Lanka By Professor M.H.
Goonathilaka, 02 "Kala Guru Tukka Wadu Gunadasa" and ‘Amdalangoda Puranaya ‘ by explorer Mr. Jinendra Wansa De Silva 03. https://www.facebook.com/HARISCHANDRA.TUKKA.WADU ) The dances are usually performed in Ratnapura, relating to the worshipping of God Saman much revered by local people.
The "Devil Dances" are an attempt to respond to the common belief that certain ailments are caused by unseen hands and that they should be chased away for the patient to get cured.
[4] The 'tovil' can be a simple ritualistic ceremony at home restricted to family and immediate neighbours or involving the whole village like the 'gam-maduva' or the 'devol-maduva' which is closely linked to the worship of gods.
The simple version of the devil dance ritual usually starts in the morning with the building of the stage, decorations and preparation of the costumes.
The full ritual usually lasts until the morning, with the dancers consuming betel-nut juice and drinking coke to stay awake.
There is also in the low country a dance-drama called Kolam, in which the performers wear masks depicting animals or people such as kings or high officials.
The pre-Buddhistic folk religion consisted of the belief in a variety of deities and demons who were supposed to be capable of awarding benefits and blessings, but also causing afflictions and diseases.
