The Ballet School of Colombo proudly marks its 10th Anniversary Year, celebrating a decade of dedication to classical ballet training and the advancement of performing arts education in Sri Lanka. What began as a home-grown vision to nurture disciplined, confident and artistically refined young dancers has evolved into one of the country’s leading institutions committed to excellence in classical ballet. Over the past ten years, the school has built a reputation for rigorous training, artistic integrity and a strong commitment to developing well rounded performers. Its focus has remained clear from the beginning: to create a structured environment where young dancers can pursue classical ballet at an international standard while growing in confidence, discipline and creative expression.
The highlight of this milestone year will be a historic first for Sri Lanka. The school will present a full-length classical ballet based on the legendary tale of Viharamahadevi, brought to life through an original orchestral score commissioned exclusively for the production. While the story of Viharamahadevi stands among the most powerful narratives in Sri Lankan history, it has never before been interpreted as a complete classical ballet. This ambitious new work seeks to transform a treasured national story into a grand theatrical experience. The production reflects the school’s belief that Sri Lankan stories deserve to be told on the global classical stage as original creations conceived, developed and produced entirely within the country. Rather than adapting existing works, the creative team has embarked on crafting a ballet that is authentically Sri Lankan in spirit while adhering to the technical and artistic demands of the classical tradition.
“This anniversary is not simply a celebration of ten years,” said Romina Gyi. “It is a celebration of classical ballet in Sri Lanka and of the extraordinary potential of our youth. Through this production, we are creating something entirely original, a Sri Lankan historic narrative presented through the grandeur of classical ballet to an original score.”
The Viharamahadevi ballet brings together choreographers, composers, designers and performers in a collaborative creative effort rooted in local talent. By commissioning a new orchestral score and developing a full-length narrative ballet, the school aims to elevate Sri Lankan performing arts onto a broader international platform. The production demonstrates that home grown artists possess the vision and capability to create work of global calibre. Beyond the stage, the anniversary year will also feature educational initiatives, workshops and outreach programmes designed to deepen appreciation for classical ballet and the performing arts. The school’s affiliation with ComDance Australia enables students to obtain internationally recognised qualifications in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Theatrical and Performing Arts. Students have the opportunity to pursue globally accepted examinations as well as Higher and Teachers Diplomas, opening pathways to both local and international careers. As preparations gather momentum, the scale and ambition of this landmark production mark a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s performing arts community. It stands as an invitation to arts patrons, cultural advocates and the corporate sector to support an initiative that seamlessly blends heritage, education and artistic excellence in a truly original Sri Lankan creation.
