All the Flavors of Kandy: Discovering the Rhythm and Ritual of Kandyan Dance by Qissa Goi

At QissaGoi, we see Kandyan dance as a living tapestry that embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka. With "All the Flavors of Kandy: A Journey into the Rhythm and Ritual of Kandyan Dance," we invite you to go beyond the conventional premises performance and immerse yourself fully in this ancient art form.

Our aim is for you to transition from being a passive observer to an active participant, engaging deeply with the rhythmic and ritualistic beauty that defines each adornment and footwork of this artform.

In collaboration with Danuka Ariyawansa, a devoted disciple of the renowned Dr. Waidyawathie Rajapaksha, we have meticulously curated this event to honor and present Kandyan dance in its most genuine and engaging form. By crafting an intimate setting that incorporates a multi-sensory experience—engaging sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—and facilitating direct interaction with the artist, we aim to enhance your connection to and appreciation of the cultural narratives that breathe life into this vibrant tradition.

Our curatorial approach to this event thus reflects QissaGoi’s mission to design cultural experiences that are both accessible and meaningful, aiming to create opportunities for the larger community to engage with artists and performers on a deeper, more intimate level. By inviting you to engage directly with the art form, we seek to dismantle barriers and bring you closer to the heart of the tradition, fostering authentic connections with the stories and practices that define it.

To us, "All the Flavors of Kandy" is not just an event—it's a vibrant celebration of a living tradition, a heartfelt tribute to its practitioners, and an open invitation for everyone to immerse themselves in the rhythm and ritual of Kandyan dance. As we strive to build spaces where cultural expression is not only witnessed but profoundly felt and understood, we welcome you to join us in exploring this rich heritage. Here, every step and gesture narrates a story, and each moment becomes a dance that bridges the past and the present.