Kandyan dance

The dance form which originated in the area called Kandy of the Centrall hills region in Sri Lanka is commonly known as Kandyan Dance. But today it has been widespread to other parts of the country.

History

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Kandyan Dancers illustrated([1])

According to the legend, the origins of the dance lie in an exorcism ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya, which was originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island.

According to legend, the Indian shamans came to the island upon the request of a king who was suffering from a mysterious illness. The king was said to be suffering from recurring dream in which a leopard dirrecting its longue towards the king. Which is believed as a black magic of "Kuweni" the first wife of the king "Vijaya". After the performance of the Kohomba Kankariya the illness vanished, and many natives adopted the dance.

It was originally performed by dancers who were identified as a separate caste under the Kandyan Fudel system. They were aligned to the Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy) and had a significant role to play in the Dalada Perahera (procession) held each year by the temple.

The dance waned in popularity as the support for the dancers from the Kandyan kings ended during the British period. It has now been revived and adapted for the stage, and is Sri Lanka's primary cultural export.

Costume

The dancers wear an elaborate costume including a headdress. The dancer's chest is only covered by a decorative beaded net. This costume is known as the Ves costume. The headress incorporates a metallic front which makes the dancer look taller than he is. The complete costume also includes anklets that produce a metallic rattle each

Music

Thammettam ‎drummer([2])

The Kandyan Dance is traditionally performed to percussion only. The most common drum is the Geta Beraya, which is only used in Kandyan Dance. To assist the dancer to keep rhythm a small pair of cymbals knows as the Thalampota is also used. The Vannam's however have lyrics that are sung in tune with the movements of the dancer. These lyrics sing about the virtues of the animal that the Vanna is depicting.

Another form of twin Drums called Tammettama[4] used with cane drum sticks.

Vannams

Originally Vannams were kind of recitations. In most Vannams it describes about the behaviours of animals like Elephants, monkeys, rabbits, peacock, cocks, serpents etc. Later dancers have used Vannam as background songs for their performances. There are 18 Vannams in the Kandyan Dance form. Traditionally a dancer would have to learn to perform all these Vannams before they would be gifted the Ves costume. The most well known among these are the Hanuma Vannama (Monkey), The Ukusa Vannama (Eagle) and the Gajaga Vannama (Elephant).

Kandyan Dance Today

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A Nilame on Elephant back in the pageant.([3])‎

Even though originally only males were allowed train as dancers, there are now several schools which also train women in the Kandyan dance form. However there is no definite Ves costume for women, and many female dancers have adapted the male costume in different ways.

There are only a few performances of the Kohomba Kankariya now due to many social, economic and political reasons. The dance in its traditional form is still performed each year at the Dalada Perhahera in Kandy.

The Kandyan Dance was adapted for the stage by Chitrasena Dias in the 70s, in several Ballets he choreographed, he has used kandyan dance movements and features. In some ways his popularity also helped to reduce the caste barriers surrounding the dance, and made it more palatable to a urban, contemporary audience. To date one of the largest school for Kandyan dance is Chitrasena Dance School.

Many contemporary dancers in Sri Lanka have borrowed from the Kandyan form for their work.

References

A fraction of the Kandy Asela Perahara-the 10-day pageant..

[5]View a larger version of the image

• Kandy Asela Perahara
• Some photos of Kandyan Dancers