I began my dancing journey at 7 years of age under the guidance of Rashika teacher in 2003. I initially began dancing so that I could learn about Sri Lankan art, but above all so that I could learn about my heritage, culture and traditional values. Throughout this journey however, I have gained much more. I have learnt of the respect and gratitude we
as Sri Lankan’s have for each other and of our love for family and friends. I have learnt to be persistent and confident, to accept criticism and to be passionate. Through dancing, I have made friends, not only with the other students but also with my teacher.
Everyone looks forward to the weekend after a sometimes stressful or boring week of school, but having dancing on a Saturday makes the wait a whole lot more exciting and rewarding in a sense. It is a common stereotype for dancing to be considered a strict sport where mistakes are a reason for punishment, yet despite this, Rashika teacher never makes dancing seem like work rather than leisure. It is always in her best interest for her students to have fun and enjoy the gift of dancing. She cares for every single one of her students and is always looking to help, not just in dancing but though problems in everyday life. Her kindness is great and her patience and love of children cannot be matched.
Personally, I love the freedom of dancing. It is a way to leave the real world, escape my problems and enter a world of my own, where for once, I am the centre of it. I am able express myself and stay fit and healthy without the efforts of having to go and work out at a gym or having to tire myself going for a run.
I dance for that feeling of satisfaction after all the effort and hard work. I dance for the feelings of joy and pleasure that I experience while dancing and I dance for that unforgettable rush that runs through my entire body from the very first step. Yes, dancing is challenging but it is this simple fact that makes it all the more rewarding.