2010 Wilshire Boulevard, Lower Level, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Achala Weerasinghe Director of Cultural Affairs

(323) 905 - 4753achala@srilankafoundation.org


CLASSES

We teach Sri Lankan cultural dance and drumming classes for students of all ages.

SERVICES

We offer Sri Lankan dance and drumming performance services for special events.

ABOUT SRI LANKAN DANCE & DRUMMING

dancing

TRADITIONAL DANCE

Sri Lankan dance was initiated during the 4th century B.C for the purpose of expelling natural disasters and sickness. The three types of dances are called Kandyan dance, Low Country dance and Sabaragamuwa dance.

drumming

TRADITIONAL DRUMMING

Drums have been a part of everyday life in Sri Lanka for more than 2,500 years. It is believed that there are about 30 traditional drums. Only about 10 of them are used today. Learn about various drums that are popular as some of the world's loudest drums.

What the student will learn and can accomplish from PAC

We allow our students to channel their energy and stimulate imagination, and promote confidence building.

Dance and movement is a joyful way for children and young adults to explore movement, musicality and develop physical, mental and social skills.

Our students enhance these skills all while learning about the Sri Lankan musical culture.

Meet our Instructors, Students & Graduates

Lal Thilakarathna

Lal Thilakarathna

Lal Thilakarathna is a senior instructor at Sri Lanka Foundation International Performing Arts Center. He received his Diploma of Visual Arts “Lalithakala” and completed the National “Gandharva” Exam. His work consists of choreographing, dancing, directing, drumming and instructing generations of students. Lal is one of the very few Veterans of Kandyan dance in Sri Lanka and is qualified to perform the “Ves Baduma," which is the graduation for male Kandyan dancers. He has performed at various locations such as the Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. Lal has also taken part in various travel shows like ITB Berlin, World Trade Fai Ion London and CHOGAM, Sri Lanka. 

Chaturi

Chathuri Wickramarachchi

Chathuri Wickramarachchi is an instructor at the Sri Lanka Foundation International Performing Arts Center. She recieved her Bachelor of Arts from Visual and Performing Arts University in 2007. She is a graduate from Chitrasena Dance School & Channa Upuli Dance School studying Upcountry and Fusion Dance. Her work consists of choreographing, dancing, directing, drumming and instructing generations of students. Chathuri has instructed at various institutions in Sri Lanka. As a professional dancer and choreographer, Chathuri has toured 30 countries with various dance troupes.

Umendra

Umendra Kahadawaarachchi

Umendra began dancing when she was five. She was a student of Piyasara and Chandra Kanthie Shilphadhipathi. She completed her Sri Lankan Gandharva Exams and graduated from University of Colombo. She has been teaching traditional dance to young Sri Lankan Americans since 1998 and participated at many Sri Lankan events. Her work consists of choreographing, dancing, instructing and preparing age appropriate lesson plans. When Umendra is not teaching class she is a Registered Nurse at Memorial Care Orange Coast Medical Center. Umendra lives in Garden Grove with her husband and 3 beautiful girls.

Graduates

  • Hiring Ranawaka

    Hiruni Ranawaka

  • Nethmi Fernando

    Nethmi Fernando

  • Nithya Bamunuarachchi

    Nithya Bamunuarachchi

  • Sonali Malalasekara

    Sonali Malalasekara

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Entertainment Services

All Events

Our performers entertain in intimate and extravagant settings and anywhere in between. Our previous customers have needed something special for weddings, galas, corporate functions, parties and conferences.

  • Traditional Entertainment Services

    TRADITIONAl DANCERS

    Solo, duo or troupe of performers will take you on a journey through Sri Lanka with mesmerizing costumes, intricate movements and elegant poses. This unique and one of a kind attraction will be sure to entertain your guests.

  • Fusion Entertainment Services

    FUSION DANCERS

    This is a beautiful dance form created by mixing traditional Sri Lankan dance with western dance theater. It is influenced by an electric collection of fashion and rhythm.

  • Drumming Entertainment Services

    DRUMMERS

    Traditional Sri Lankan drumming is considered a tradition for over 2,500 years. Ceremonial drumming or “Magul Bera” is played at auspicious events to bring blessings from the divine.

WEDDINGS

More than any other event, our performers are requested to bring traditional Sri Lankan culture to celebrate the joining of two families. Performances can be as big or as small as newlyweds want, with services that include:

  • Traditional Dancers weddings Services

    TRADITIONAl DANCERS

    Solo, duo or troupe performance with mesmerizing costumes to welcome guests. Performers can accompany the bride & the groom down the aisle, as well as open and close the ceremony.

  • Fusion Dancers weddings Services

    FUSION DANCERS

    Created by mixing traditional Sri Lankan dance with western dance theater. It is influenced by an electric collection of fashion & rhythm. Let these dancers add some color and entertainment for your big day.

  • Poruwa weddings Services

    PORUWA

    The beautifully decorated wooden platform, which can feature an overhanging roof or an arch. Includes design, creation, setup, breakdown & transportation.

  • Ashataka Blessing weddings Services

    ASHTAKA BLESSINGS

    Professional ashtaka chanting requires understanding of Pali & Sanskrit. It is important to recite the Ashtaka stanzas in the correct manner so that the new couple entering wedlock will be truly blessed.

  • Choregraphing Special Dances weddings Services

    CHOREOGRAPHING SPECIAL DANCES

    The serious part of your wedding day has passed, and now you’re Mr & Mrs. The rings have been exchanged, those important photographs have been taken, so now it’s time to have a little fun with your first dance together or surprise your spouse with your dance moves. SLF PAC can help you choreograph your dance.


CONNECT WITH US

pac-conncet

Sri Lanka Foundation

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2010 Wilshire Boulevard, Lower Level,

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Achala Weerasinghe Director of Cultural Affairs

(323) 905 - 4753achala@srilankafoundation.org

WE HAVE OPENINGS! Sign-up for these free available courses

MONDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY No Classes
THURSDAY No Classes
FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SATURDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SUNDAY 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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