By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

Photos courtesy of Gayathrie School of Dance

For Gayathrie Soysa, the upcoming dance production Eternal Rhythm at the Elphinstone Theatre on October 23 is far more than another performance. It is the realisation of a long-cherished dream, bringing together different dance traditions, years of artistic exploration and the students she has nurtured through her Gayathrie School of Dance.

The production promises an evening of traditional Bharatanatyam alongside contemporary interpretations incorporating different dance styles and influences. Featuring dancers of varying ages and abilities, the show celebrates not only the beauty of classical Indian dance but also the freedom of artistic expression.

“This production is extremely close to my heart. In many ways, it represents something I have wanted to do for years but never quite pushed myself to do,” explains Gayathrie.

Having trained in different dance disciplines throughout her life, Gayathrie has long envisioned a production that creatively combines these influences without compromising their individual identities and traditions. October 23 will see that vision finally come alive on stage.

Yet behind the elaborate choreography, intricate movements and expressive storytelling lies a deeply personal journey.

Growing up with dyslexia, Gayathrie faced challenges that extended beyond the classroom. Reading, writing and verbal expression were sometimes difficult, while bullying at school added to her struggles. Dance, however, offered an escape.

“Dance became the place where none of those things mattered. I could express emotion through movement in a way that I couldn't always do through words.”

Introduced to Bharatanatyam by her mother at a young age, Gayathrie developed her passion under her first teacher, Kamala Jayathileka. Following her teacher's passing, she continued her training with Priyadharshini Bandara, under whose guidance she completed her Arangetram. Her Kathak teacher, Kumari Dammage, subsequently played a pivotal role in encouraging her to teach.

Although Gayathrie initially doubted her abilities as a teacher, that encouragement led to the establishment of the Gayathrie School of Dance in 2005. More than two decades later, watching her students blossom into confident performers remains one of her greatest rewards.

Away from the dance floor, Gayathrie juggles her artistic commitments with her responsibilities as Managing Director of the family business. Balancing boardroom decisions with rehearsals and choreography is undoubtedly demanding, but dance remains her emotional sanctuary.

For Gayathrie, the October production also marks the beginning of a more ambitious artistic journey. She hopes to use dance and dance drama to address important social issues, including bullying, emotional and physical abuse, while encouraging conversations that are often difficult to initiate.

Her ambition is to create a platform where performers can express emotions without fear of judgement and audiences can discover the power of storytelling through movement.

As the final rehearsals gather momentum ahead of October 23, Gayathrie is particularly excited about sharing the stage with her students and presenting something that reflects her own artistic evolution.
“This show is not the end of a dream. It is the beginning of a much bigger one.”

And for a woman who discovered her voice through dance, the Elphinstone Theatre promises to be the stage where that voice finds an even more powerful expression.

For tickets please call  077 735 7204