2015 Oct 23
The Sri Lankan Dance Academy of New York is doing it for the children — and the culture — this weekend.
The troupe’s performance Saturday in the Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island showcases authentic dance and drum techniques.
“We are doing traditional Sri Lankan dancing and we try to teach the children that because it’s very important our children know our culture,” said Dhammika Navinna, the president of SLDA. “We have more than 50 children in the program and have every age group from 4 to 26.”
The production features every age group in the program and drummers who provide the music.
SLDA also provides classes for anyone willing to learn every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terr., Livingston.
The group’s overall mission is to “preserve the significant culture and artistic heritage of Sri Lanka in New York,” according to Navinna.
Note: Staten Island has one of the highest populations of Sri Lankans outside of Sri Lanka itself. By some estimates, there may be more than 5,000 Islanders of Sri Lankan descent, hence the borough’s nickname of “Little Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lankan Dance Academy performs 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the CFA on the campus of the College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Willowbrook. Tickets range from $20 to $50. More information: Call 718-619-9832