Consistency in Choreography Muddrika Swarnathilake conducts Master Class

Even in pandemic situations which compel us to distance ourselves from each other, we can indeed connect and contribute positively if our intentions are wholesome. Renowned director of choreography Muddrika Swarnathilake who has taken dance to a different direction pushing boundaries, is starting a Master Class in Choreography this month to nourish and hone the skills of wannabes in the art, to share her expertise and groom professional choreographers. Muddrika, who is a Kandyan dancer herself trained under the late Piyasara Shilpadipathi, has explored new paths and used her own yardsticks of teaching. She indeed practises what she preaches. She is a believer that the vocabulary of dance forms magnifies, as you push boundaries. And Muddrika’s outstanding creations have proven it too.

Muddrika will conduct the choreography Master Class on April 24 and 25 covering 7 hours of theory on the subject. “This is open to anyone above 13 years and even 65 with a passion for choreography. Choreography is a different ball game involving various aspects. There is a difference between dance teacher and dance choreographer which must be clearly understood. This Master Class will be used as a platform to share my own experience dishing out aspiring choreographers with a wide-ranging knowledge about the subject from the technical know-how you have to grasp, how you manage people, interact with clients, focus on discipline, the commitment and dedication. There is no dancing involved in this Master Class.  Today dance has virtually become a commercial venture, with lots of money pumped in to enhance performances but very little is invested in terms of acquiring knowledge and skills,” says Muddrika who has had her higher studies in the US and India, especially focusing on film making and film choreography. 

“It is a MASTER CLASS on Fundamentals of Choreography which will serve as a guide to become a commercially successful choreographer. This is mainly for all the ambitious budding choreographers who wish to have a clear guidance on what needs to be done. This will be conducted in English and Sinhala languages. My dance troupe is multi-skilled and ambitious. They have performed at various international platforms. I always encourage them to study. I want them to be better than me. I might retire in ten years, but I feel it is my responsibility to share my wide-ranging experience and the cream of the entire subject in a nutshell with the young generation,” she said adding that more details could be obtained by contacting 0776048469 /whatsapp.

Muddrika was the choreographer in films like Ms. Sumitra Peries’ ‘Yahaluwo’, Senesh Dissanaike Bandara’s ‘Heart FM’ and Somaratne Dissanayake’s ‘Sarigama’. But she still feels, the role of a choreographer is not properly appraised or understood in this country.

“Having worked in overseas film productions, I feel that choreographers, editors, directors or even script writers and others playing key roles behind the scene are being exploited at times. This applies to films as well. My overseas higher studies involved film making and mainly covered aspects towards choreography. I was so fascinated by beautiful film songs. In fact, my dream was to become a film director some day. But I am glad and blessed to have created significant TV commercials, music videos and showcased my uniqueness at various corporate events including award ceremonies,” said Muddrika giving us a hint about her next mission too.
“On the second weekend of May, I will be conducting a Master Class which is going to focus on ‘Guide to become a Professional Dancer’. It is a one day/6 hours Master Class session for aspiring dancers on covering all aspects of dance other than the skill. It includes how to be conscious and present themselves in their highest potential each time as well as guidance on costuming, hair and make up, grooming to discipline, moral - ethical boundaries to follow to make the industry more credible in the face the of society,” said Muddrika who broke new ground by creatively moving beyond technique and structure.

text: Ramesh Uvais