Teaching Dance in Sri Lanka

I was 5 years old when I first started Bharathanatyam dance classes and little did I know that one day I would be able to make a difference with it. I am a professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Instructor based in Toronto who realized that dance is not just a hobby but a way of life.  Being a Tamil Canadian, training in Bharathanatyam was a significant part of staying connected to my roots and culture which also provided me with a foundation to explore other dance styles over the years. 

I have performed on several respectable platforms and performed internationally, but I knew that I wanted to do something more with dance. While volunteering at nonprofit organizations such as Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre, The Covenant House, and Canadian Tamils with Disabilities, I understood that I can use dance as a segway to empower others, and ever since that has been one of my biggest goals. I started a workshop series called R.I.S.E (Rising to Inspire, Strengthen & Empower) through dance which provides a platform for individuals to learn dance while gaining confidence, strength and empowerment. This is a platform that I dream of implementing for people globally because dance is a universal language and a significant tool of self expression.

On August 1st, I will be starting a new journey volunteering as the Performing Arts Instructor in Sri Lanka for 2 months as apart of the Comdu.it program. Comdu.it is an independent Canadian network of diaspora change makers committed to leveraging technical assistance for sustainable development of the North and East of Sri Lanka. I am partnered up with an organization called Capokalam who deliver innovative educational arts programs to children in marginalized and impoverished communities , affected by war, natural disaster, and endemic socio-economic inequality, to bring about psychosocial rehabilitation and sustainable change. For more information, please visit www.capokolam.org. In my role, I will be planning and delivering dance lessons to children, youth and women with a focus on addressing social/emotional issues and female empowerment. 

I am both nervous and excited to embark on this journey as it will be my first time travelling alone and volunteering abroad! As a full time artist, I am kindly seeking for financial support to cover the funding for my trip and programming. If this line of work resonates with you and you believe in what I hope to achieve, you can support by clicking on the donate button. If you aren’t able to donate, I am still accepting positive thoughts:)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!