DANCE

Srilanka dance

MAYURA NATUMA (Peacock Dance)

In this dance, the girls depict the graceful movements of the peacock

which according to mythology is the bird that transports Skanda,

the War-God of Ceylon, worshipped by Buddhists and Hindus alike

PANTHERU NATUMA

The name of the dance, is derived from the musical

instrument used, the Pantheru, which is close akin to the tambourine.

Rhythm is also provided by the accompanying drums.

The dance itself shows Sinhala warriors on their way to battle.

The Pantheru is manipulated with great skill and dexterity

by the dancers who create a series of vigorous acrobatic and rhythmic forms

LEE KELI NATUMA

A dance popular in all parts of the country, particularly during

festivals In which both male and female dancers participate.

Each dancer has two sticks and the sound of the sticks

sticking each other together with those of the

accompanying drums provide the rhythm for the -'dancers