This multidisciplinary training not only refined her technique but also gave her a fluidity and versatility that few dancers possess
Her training in fashion became an asset, influencing costume design and enhancing her aesthetic expression on the dance floor
In the glittering world of ballroom dancing, where precision, grace, and discipline intertwine, Sri Lanka has found a shining beacon in Tarja De Silva. Her journey from an awe-struck child at a local competition to a celebrated international competitor is not just a personal triumph; it is a bold step forward for the island nation’s presence in the global dance arena.
1
Early Inspirations and a Passion Born
Tarja’s love for dance took root at just 11 years old during a ballroom dance competition held at the Hilton Colombo. Surrounded by the dazzle of sequined costumes, poised elegance, and intricate choreography, she was instantly captivated. Two years later, at the age of 13, she took her first formal dance steps, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable lifelong journey. What set Tarja apart from the beginning was her holistic approach to dance. While ballroom remained her primary focus, she immersed herself in a multitude of styles; Kandyan dance, ballet, hip-hop, swing, and salsa. This multidisciplinary training not only refined her technique but also gave her a fluidity and versatility that few dancers possess. It also shaped her appreciation for dance as both a technical art form and a cultural bridge.
2
Academic Pursuits and International Exposure
Tarja’s academic path took her to the United Kingdom, where she pursued a degree in fashion design. It was during this chapter that her passion for dance flourished alongside her education. The UK’s vibrant and diverse dance culture served as a fertile ground for growth, allowing her to compete in events, absorb new styles, and understand the global standards of the dance industry. In the fashion world, creativity and presentation are paramount; skills that Tarja seamlessly transferred to her performances. Her training in fashion became an asset, influencing costume design and enhancing her aesthetic expression on the dance floor.
3
Making History at the Blackpool Dance Festival
The pinnacle of Tarja’s journey so far came in 2025 when she represented Sri Lanka at the prestigious, ‘The Open World’s Blackpool Tower Ballroom Competition,” in the UK, one of the oldest and most respected ballroom competitions in the world. Competing in the Professional Exhibition category with her dance partner, Latvian-born Nauris Kalva, they delivered an unforgettable performance set to ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin. Their interpretation earned them a second-place finish, a groundbreaking achievement not only for the duo but for Sri Lanka, which had never before been represented in this category. Tarja’s presence at Blackpool was deeply symbolic: a brown-skinned dancer on a stage traditionally dominated by Western performers. Her appearance challenged norms, expanded representation, and brought a new face to the world of international ballroom.
“It was emotional,” she shared in a post-event reflection. “There were very few dancers of colour, and I was proud to be on that stage representing Sri Lanka.”
4
Dynamic Partnerships: Dancing with Nauris Kalva
Central to Tarja’s recent success is her partnership with Nauris Kalva. With a background in ballet, jazz, ballroom, and Latin dance, Nauris brings a wealth of technical expertise and performance experience to their collaboration. He began his training at the age of five in Latvia and has performed competitively across Europe. Together, Tarja and Nauris have danced in the exhibition category for over a year, blending acrobatics, storytelling, and emotional depth into their routines. Their chemistry and commitment were on full display at Blackpool, but their partnership also reflects a mutual respect and shared vision for dance as a transformative experience.
5
Giving Back: Strengthening the Local Dance Scene
While her international accolades are impressive, Tarja’s impact at home in Sri Lanka is perhaps even more profound. Alongside her business partner, Alberto Ruiz, she co-founded T&A Fitness in Colombo, a dance and fitness hub offering a diverse range of classes for beginners and advanced students alike. Through T&A Fitness, Tarja has been instrumental in nurturing the local dance community. She has organized national ballroom dance championships that offer aspiring dancers an opportunity to perform in front of international judges and experience competitive dance culture firsthand. Her initiatives have played a pivotal role in raising the standard of dance in Sri Lanka. Many young dancers who might have previously lacked direction or exposure now have a pathway to professional development, something that was largely absent in the country when Tarja herself was starting out.
Tarja De Silva’s journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and pride. Her path has not been without challenges, whether it was navigating an underdeveloped arts infrastructure in Sri Lanka or breaking through as a brown dancer in predominantly white European circuits, but her resolve has only strengthened with each step. Her impact is threefold: as a performer, she has elevated Sri Lankan dance to new heights; as a teacher and entrepreneur, she has created spaces for others to grow; and as an advocate, she is working toward a more equitable future for all dancers. As she continues to represent Sri Lanka on international stages and build a robust dance culture at home, Tarja De Silva stands as a testament to what is possible when talent meets tenacity. In a world that often overlooks small nations in the arts, her voice and movement are impossible to ignore.
