BY ROSHENKA JAYAMAHA
As the soft chatter of the audience filters backstage and dancers fill the wings, excitement thrums through the air, for a long-awaited performance is about to start. When the bell rings, a last set of high fives and whispered “good lucks” make their rounds until that all-important moment when you take your place on stage, nerves shaky, heart fluttering, chest pounding, and the curtains finally pull apart. Bright lights cascade over you, and it is go-time. You find yourself facing the silhouette of a full house, brimming with family and friends who have come to see and support you, alongside the many ballerinas in the wings beside you. You smile, the fear subsides, and happiness sparkles from within, because this is what all those hours of practice and years of training were for, a moment to dance with joy and share your love for the art and sport that is ballet with those you care for and the world. Over 450 ballet dancers of all ages took to the stage to bring the Deanna School of Dancing’s production of The Nutcracker to life.
For many, this writer included, it was special, a debut, a milestone, a chance to showcase the work, discipline, and learning that takes place within our studio walls. A night at the ballet whisked audiences away to a land of wonder, with whimsical storytelling enriched by sweeping music, vivid dances, stunning costumes, and enchanting sets. That beautiful escape, however, was crafted from hours of rehearsals, dedication, sacrifice, and above all, a deep passion for dance. A ballet production is both a showcase and a celebration, but the lessons learned preparing for it and performing on stage remain long after the curtains close.
AN ART FORM THAT HAS UNDERGONE A VIBRANT EVOLUTION
Ballet, with its grace and timeless elegance, has captivated hearts for centuries. Originating in 15th-century Italian courts, it later flourished in France and Russia, evolving into the refined art form celebrated worldwide today. Combining athleticism and artistry, ballet is defined by codified positions, precise technique, turnout, line, alignment, and a vocabulary all its own. It demands strength, control, discipline, musicality, and grace, alongside depth of expression. Beyond its technical rigor, ballet tells stories, conveying emotion, atmosphere, and meaning through movement. Over the years, it has left a lasting mark on culture and history through its expressive power, elevating dance to an art form synonymous with refinement and prestige.
BUILDING A LEGACY IN SRI LANKA
In Sri Lanka, the Deanna School of Dancing’s founder, Deanna Jayasuriya, pioneered ballet education by affiliating her school with the Royal Academy of Dance in the United Kingdom from its inception in 1980, allowing Sri Lankan students to follow its globally acclaimed curriculum. Forty-five years later, “Aunty Deanna,” as we fondly call her, continues to inspire a love for dance while upholding her school’s proud tradition of excellence.
Her gentle wisdom, passion for teaching, and astute corrections have left an imprint on countless dancers. Her feedback extends beyond technique, she encourages connection with the music, expression through the face, and constant revisiting of the basics. During Nutcracker rehearsals, we looked to her often, awaiting that nod of approval or little tip before the big day. She truly sees her students, their struggle, effort, and progress, and celebrates both small and great wins alike. Sometimes, a simple call saying, “My girl, you are really improving, keep going,” can make your day. Through moments like these, she continues to lift up her students and inspire them to reach ever higher.
Motivation matters, because while ballet is many wonderful things, it is also hard work, quiet, consistent work witnessed by few. There are no shortcuts, no easy detours. To improve, one must absorb instructions and corrections, and then practice, practice, and practice some more. The Nutcracker rehearsals were no small feat, with hours of run-throughs and the coordination of hundreds of dancers, some as young as two. Yet, regardless of age, many showed up with dedication to bring this beloved ballet to life, upholding the standards of Deanna’s ballerinas. Through this process, students saw first-hand that practice truly paves the path to progress.
HONOURING A CLASSIC WITH A CREATIVE ADAPTATION
As a production, The Nutcracker, with its iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, adapted by Alexander Dumas, its charm gradually grew until George Balanchine’s 1954 New York City Ballet production cemented it as a beloved holiday classic.
Natalie and Natasha Jayasuriya wove that same magic into their adaptation, strengthened by their choreography, attention to detail, and calm leadership. The sisters, Vice Principal and Principal of the school, poured countless hours into infusing originality, creativity, and artistry into their production. Natalie drew out the best in her dancers, urging them to move beyond technical precision and embrace character, emotion, and connection. Natasha navigated every operational challenge with grace, radiating joy whether teaching, leading backstage, or cueing performers. Her upbeat spirit was infectious. Supported by an incredible team of teachers, they delivered a show that brought The Nutcracker’s wonder to Colombo with freshness and inclusivity. They created space for both advanced dancers and true beginners to shine, nurturing passion at every level. Giving students a platform to perform is a rare gift, one that builds confidence, courage, and camaraderie.
LESSONS THAT WILL LIVE ON
On stage, beyond it, and back in the studio, one feels the school’s values take root, dance with happiness, love what you do, work hard, practice harder, give your best, take pride in yourself, and if you miss your mark, rise and keep moving. These lessons will not only shape fine dancers but also build a generation of young people who will approach life with grit and grace.
DANCERS THAT DAZZLED
The performances at the three-day showcase were impressive, even from the wings. The main cast stunned with their skill and stage presence. Chanulya Dissanayake as Clara embodied featherlight grace and youthful wonder, perfectly complemented by Shayantha Abeynayake as the Nutcracker, whose dancing reflected versatility and agility. Anya De Silva, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, delivered delicate precision and seamless lines, her intricate footwork revealing quiet strength beneath her grace. Senudi De Silva, as the Mouse King, commanded the stage with fierce charisma, her battle sequence a highlight of the night. Nitara Dissanayake’s Magician balanced mystery and theatrical flair, while Lynaya Konara, as the Doll, charmed with mechanical precision.
Natania Gapper, as Fritz, infused the production with playful mischief and humour, her one-handed cartwheel drawing applause. Kinaara Malawana, as the Spanish Leader, radiated fiery pizzazz in red and black, Vinali Wickremasinghe brought exotic elegance to the Arabian dance, Ayanah De Mel dazzled as the Russian Leader with speed and exuberance, and Stephanie Peries, as the Chinese Leader, delivered a lively, crisp performance full of dainty jumps and intricate steps. As Clara and Fritz’s mother, I was honoured to be part of such a beautiful production, thrilled to land my pirouettes, and delighted to dance in the shimmering blue-green dress designed by Aunty JoJo. Her costumes, detailed to the last trim and frill, were works of art that brought each character to life in hues of the season.
CELEBRATING BALLET AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Other highlights included the opening scene featuring the school’s youngest stars, Dolls, Spinning Tops, Teddy Bears, and Jacks-in-the-Boxes, many taking the stage for the first time. The mice, soldiers, and guests at the party added colour and heart to the performance. The grand finale, The Waltz of the Flowers, featured over 30 senior dancers in pink and mauve tulle, creating striking synchronised patterns and bringing the ballet to a memorable close. The entire production was supported by parents, alumni, well-wishers, a dedicated backstage crew, family, and friends, along with the wider Deanna School of Dancing team. Through their vision, Natasha, Natalie, and Deanna Jayasuriya brought The Nutcracker to life in Sri Lanka, reminding us that the arts matter deeply, and that expression, creativity, and discipline shape young dancers in profound ways.
Beyond the stage, the school’s studios continue to serve as a home where the next generation of ballerinas, whether two or twenty-two, can learn, grow, and reach for the stars.
At the curtain call, you take your final bow alongside the peers and teachers you have worked with for months. Dressing-room chatter, fun-filled photos, post-performance snacks, hours of rehearsals and laughter, all weave you and your fellow dancers together. A shared love and respect for your art, and gratitude for those who helped you get there, culminates in a bittersweet ending. You are sad the fairytale is over and must leave the magical world you twirled in, but you walk away enriched, more confident, and thankful for the memories made and community built. And when tomorrow comes, you will slip on your leotard, secure your bun, tie your slippers, and simply dance again.
