Classical dance of Sri Lanka spans 2500 years, and has today evolved into three distinct styles of dance, namely, Kandyan, Low Country and Sabaragamuwa Dance. Drums denote the earliest form of Sri Lankan music. Classical Sri Lankan dance today makes use of about 10 types of traditional drums. The Festival will feature extracts from all three schools of dance including pooja, ves, thelme, vannam, gini sisila (fire dance), to the accompaniment of traditional drums.

The Channa-Upuli dance troupe has evolved classical Sri Lankan dance and drum rhythms into a new aesthetic of modern ballet, synthesizing the traditional and modern. They have popularized Sri Lankan dance throughout the world.

Cultural Performances will be presented by “Channa -Upuli”. They will perform different styles of Sri Lankan classical dance at the Festival.