The main objective of the workshop is to provide a brief history of neo-classical ballet and to introduce participants to simple techniques used in this sublime dance genre, which evolved from classical ballet in the early 20th century.
The workshop is for teachers as well as students (minimum age thirteen) and will focus on the technical, artistic and performance aspects of neoclassical ballet.
Participants must have prior ballet training and wear soft ballet shoes. (Girls must have their hair tied in a bun.)
The recommended costume is tights, leotard and skirt for girls and tights/t-shirt for boys. (Casual attire will not be permitted.).
The workshop is free of charge and will be held on Sunday 26 June 2016, from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm at the Nelung Arts Center, 81 Hyde Park Corner, Colombo 2.
The instructor is Seneka Abeyratne, who has a strong background in classical/contemporary ballet and contemporary dance based on Martha Graham technique. His dance training includes eight years at the Khulsum School of Dance (now defunct) and twelve years at the Deanna School of Dancing the largest ballet school in the island.
He has in recent years conducted several dance workshops (ballet / contemporary) at such venues as the Deanna School of Dancing, the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, the Fulbright Commission, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the Nelung Arts Center.
He has also performed at various venues including the Lionel Wendt, Park Street Mews, and Lunar Terrace/Closenberg Hotel.
Neoclassical ballet is closely associated with the New York City Ballet (NYCB), founded by George Balanchine in 1948.
One of the leading ballet companies in the world, the NYCB performs his pioneering works on a regular basis.
Other great choreographers inspired by Balanchine include Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, and Roland Petit.
Neo-classical ballet is sleekly modern and profoundly minimalist.
Although it rebels against the established traditions of the full-length story ballet and eschews the overly dramatised style of the Romantic Period, it is firmly grounded in classical ballet technique.
The instructor can be contacted at (mobile) 077-5740807 or (email) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Situated at 11, KeppetipolaMawatha in Colombo 05, the Alliance Française de KOTTE is Frances ONLY such official French language and cultural centre in the Colombo City.
It is the preferred choice of all Sri Lankans, across all ages, who wish to learn the French language, with certification and diplomas fully recognised by France.
The Alliance Française de Kotte is fully affiliated to the Fondation Alliance Française in Paris and enjoys the total patronage of the Government of France and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka.
There are no other branches of the Alliance Francaise in Colombo City.