Welcome back Channa-Upuli!

Muthu PADMAKUMARA

March 22 and 23 will bring a long overdue performance on the local stage by the dancers of the Channa-Upali fame. For those who have seen the troupe on TV, this live show will be the opportunity to experience the talent that is Channa and Upuli. It is well - known that they have been called upon to represent Sri Lankan culture in an official capacity at many international events including the UN and state visits. Having recently performed in Washington DC, it is very exciting to have them back on the main stage in Sri Lanka with an exhibition of their exceptional talent.

If you have seen music videos – whether from Bollywood, Hollywood or any other – one thing needs to be understood. These extravagant dance routines are illusions embracing in that those videos look so good thanks to the technology of editing.

That is, the dance sequence is in segments and the 'whole' is made by cut and paste of a separates for maximum effect, including rapid costume and location changes. To see the Channa-Upuli troupe is to witness a truly seamless execution of a complete production.

Channa-Upuli troupe need no such tools for their excellence as the quality of performance of the dancers are singularly perfect. No expense is spared on their image in makeup and costume. If anything, we can expect yet more striking creations. Channa Wijewardana and Upuli Panibaratha – the husband and wife duo have pioneered the evolution of Sri Lankan dance, retaining the hallmarks of the traditional while making way for the fusion of tomorrow.

Channa and Upuli's creative talent seem limitless with freshness to each show they produce. Thaala and IFFA shows have stirred our imaginations and our hearts by their beauty.

The excellence of performance is unparalleled, with the signature marks of training under Channa and Upuli, each dancer while being part of a whole, and even performing similar steps have distinct individuality to their dance. There's nothing quite like the Channa-Upuli dance troupe.

Between the creativity skill, and talent of Channa and Upuli, Colombo can look forward to a scintillating shown on 22 and 23 March at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

And let the show begin