Heshma; The confluence of the dance's past and future

Suharshi Perera

BORN DANCER: Dancing is in her blood. She inhales and exhales it. Her pulse is in perfect harmony with the drum beat. Born to a dance family, a family that shines in the zenith of Sri Lankan dance drama, Heshma Wignaraja has neverthelss carved a unique niche for herself on stage.

She represents the third generation of the renowned artistes' family of Chitrasena. The legendary choreographer of Sri Lankan dance drama is her dear grandfather. Her grandma Vajira, mother Anjalika and aunts Upeka and Anudatta and sisters all are on the dance stage.

"I started dancing essentially when I was in the womb," she recalls her fist steps. "My mother had danced even in the sixth month after I was conceived." She followed her parents, grandparents and aunts from the time she could walk. "At the age of six, I was in the dancing class as a student watching my aachchi (Vajira) and loku amma (Upeka) dancing and following their steps."

Even though dancing was part of her life, it was not a rigid training or confined to a single field. "When I was studying at Bishop's College, I participated in five sports. I was a good swimmer, a tennis player and I played piano and the Kandyan brass," she says.

She left for the United States to obtain a degree in Theatre Arts focusing on dance and business studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

"My education in the US helped me understand the mastery of my grandfather but I did not have enough time," she laments.

She returned from the States where she lived for 10 years to receive the bad news that her grandfather (Chitrasena) was very ill.

"Seeya and I shared a very special bond. Even though I was away we connected. During that 10 years I came home often to perform," she describes her grandfather's influence upon her. "He said very little but it was very powerful."

She was emotionally thunder struck by the death of her grandfather.

"I determined to perform and I think it is the best way to deal with his departure," she remarks. "But I don't know whether we have done justice to him and his talent."

Wignaraja handles the administration of the Chitrasena-Vajira Dance Foundation and the troupe. "It is my duty to make his dream a reality - to build the Kalayathanaya as an ashram for learning art to keep the traditions alive," she says.

"I want to educate myself and set up the school that inculcates discipline, an integral part of dancing."

All her knowledge on theatre and Western theatrical strategies will be applied to improve discipline and Sri Lankan theatre techniques like lighting and theatre craft.

"I don't believe in fusion. There is no justice in fusing Western traditions with local ones. Dance is already here and I will take the essence of discipline that I have learnt there," she adds.

Her grandmother Vajira is an "obsessive perfectionist". She has also have inherited that quality. "Not only the dance, even the folding of a costume has to be perfect for aachchi."

"We put in a lot of time perfecting a show. That's why our shows do not come out very frequently. That's the standard we maintain. The rigid decipline we teach in dancing can be applied to any other field and permeates to their lives," she says.

Wignaraja produced and directed the recent memorial show held to mark Chitrasena's first death anniversary. Her husband who specialises in Shakespearen theatre supports her in all endeavours.

Her two year old daughter hangs around the stage, trying to understand dance and experience it. It could well be her first steps towards stardom in the Sri Lankan dance cosmos.

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Choose and pick your dog

PETS: Dog is the most intimate animal of man. It is a loyal companion and a protector than many people we get to associate with in our day-to-day lives. Here are some important hints useful in selecting a trust worthy pet dog.

You have to give a lot of thought and take your own time especially if you are a novice, before picking a dog you are going to live with the next ten or fifteen years. A bad or hasty or careless decision can mean a lot of heartache and waste of money. There are a number of factors to be taken into consideration before deciding on your choice.

First you must have an idea of the different breeds and groups of dogs. Then you should pick one which should suit your personality and your needs( whether you need it for guarding, hunting , showing or just as a companion) and the time you can spare, the space you can provide and the affordability. Size

The size of a dog is a practical consideration while choosing a breed. you must decide whether you want a giant, medium, small or a wee size dog. The size should be compatible for the space you provide. Another consideration is the dog's exercise and care requirement.

An active dog needs either space to play or your time to go out for walks. Some breeds may be far more costly to keep and care for than others. A beautifully coated dog may be good to look at but needs constant care which requires lot of time and patience to keep the coat from becoming messy.

Characteristics of certain breeds also matters, some dogs maybe loyal to only one person while some others maybe family oriented, certain breeds may be more tolerant of children than others and so on. Certain breed has specific genetic problems that can affect their health. Get an idea about breed specific health problems.

Pedigree

Once you have decided on a particular breed, the next thing is to pick out a healthy one from the lot for sale. It is always better and safer to get a pet from families with dogs having a recent set of off springs so that the puppies are not exposed to the array of diseases found at pet stores, kennels and breeding farms.

Check up

No matter where you get your pet from, have it checked out with a veterinary doctor and make your purchase only on his certification of good health.

As far as possible get the necessary papers from the seller like its pedigree and its registered name, its AKC registration Number/ AKC registration Certificate if any etc. If not, you are entitled to know about the parents, its heritage and back ground, as some breeds are prone to have genetic weaknesses.

The seller should give information about the dogs medical history outlining the shots it has had and its food habits etc.

Best Age

The best age for picking a puppy is at eight - nine weeks, after the weaning and before he/she has got used to their birthplace. The pup should have clear bright eyes and clean ears. Reddened or swollen eyes are not desirable.

Discharge or pus from the eyes can indicate worms. Ears should smell waxy not foul. Lightly clap your hands from behind while somebody is standing in front to check hearing. The nose should be free of discharge. Sneezing, coughing, wheezing or a runny nose and eyes can indicate Canine distemper in puppies.

The teeth should be white and clean and breath should smell clean. Check the skin for patches of flaking, reddening and for signs of fleas and the fur should be shiny in most breeds. While you want to avoid overly nippy pups, don't pick the one that flinches or cowers when you approach either: Puppies should be active but not aggressive. Over all the animal should feel firm, strong and energetic.

(Courtesy: Webindia)