A Production that brings together the Dance Works Centre and Soul Sounds Academy

By Kshalini Nonis

Music lovers are in for a treat when ‘Where The Beat Begins’, a production that brings together the students of Dance Works Centre and Soul Sounds Academy in a celebration of dance and music, will be held at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on September 4 th and 5 th. 2026. We had a chat with Kanthi Ranchigoda, Directress of Dance Works Centre.

Q    What is the name of your upcoming production and when and where will it be held?
Our upcoming production is  ‘Where The Beat Begins’, and it will be held on the 4th and 5th of September 2026 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, from 7 pm onwards. It is a production that brings together the students of Dance Works Centre and Soul Sounds Academy in a celebration of dance and music.

Q    Can you briefly describe your production?
‘Where The Beat Begins’ is the result of many months of hard work, commitment and endless hours of practice. What makes it special for me is seeing all that work come together on stage and watching the dancers bring each piece to life.
The production is exciting and varied, with each item having its own character and energy.

Q You mentioned that the programme explores a vibrant range of styles, creating a production that moves between elegance, rhythm, energy and expression. What do you mean by this?
The production moves through a number of very different styles, including Classical Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, freestyle and Modern Hip-hop. Each of these styles has its own technique, rhythm and way of expressing something.

So, when I speak about elegance, rhythm, energy and expression, I mean that the audience will experience very different moods throughout the production. It gives the dancers the opportunity to show the versatility of dance rather than keeping the entire production within one particular style.

Q You mentioned that the show celebrates the versatility of dance and the different ways that music can inspire movement. Please explain this.
For me, dance has always been closely connected to music. The same piece of music can inspire completely different movements depending on the style of dance and the dancer interpreting it.

This production shows how dance can adapt across several distinct genres. Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz and Hip-hop all respond to music in their own way, and it is wonderful to see the dancers explore those differences.

Q    Who are the main people involved in this production?
The production brings together the students of Dance Works Centre and Soul Sounds Academy. It is directed and choreographed by me, Kanthi Ranchigoda, together with Soundarie David Rodrigo, Directress of Soul Sounds Academy.

Of course, behind the production are also many other people who have contributed their time and effort to bringing everything together.

Q    You mention that at its heart ‘Where The Beat Begins’ is also about the dancers themselves. What do you mean by this?
At the end of the day, the production is for the dancers. I want each individual dancer to have the opportunity to express themselves and experience different styles of dance.

It is not simply about learning a routine and performing it on stage. It is about giving the dancers confidence, discipline and the freedom to discover how they express themselves through movement.

Q You mentioned that for you dance is far more than a series of movements or a career. What do you mean by this?
I have watched generations of girls come through Dance Works Centre, and throughout the years I have seen them form wonderful friendships and bonds through their shared love of dance.

For me, that is far more important than simply learning a series of movements or looking at dance purely as a career.

Dance teaches discipline, commitment, confidence and, most importantly, gives young people a sense of belonging.

Q Tell us about the special collaboration with Soul Sounds Academy directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo, especially as it brings together two forms of musical expression – dance and song.
Our collaboration with Soul Sounds Academy and Soundarie David Rodrigo is something I am particularly happy about. Similar to our previous production together, this collaboration allows us to bring together dance and song.

The two forms of expression complement each other beautifully. There are emotional and expressive moments as well as upbeat and energetic ones, and having both dance and song as part of the production creates a wonderful balance.

Q What is the philosophy behind the teaching at Dance Works Centre that extends beyond simply learning steps?
At Dance Works Centre, I believe that teaching dance is about much more than teaching steps and technique. I also want the girls to learn about commitment, responsibility, confidence and working together.
A production teaches them that every dancer has a part to play. What may begin as simple and traditional steps can come together through practice, discipline and teamwork to create something beautiful on stage.

Q Please tell us about ‘Dance with a Purpose’ and the connection with Surol.
Dance with a Purpose has been an important part of Dance Works Centre’s productions for many years.
Since 1989, Dance Works Centre has made a charitable contribution in aid of Surol, and this has become an important part of our productions.  It is something that is very close to the heart of Dance Works Centre. It is also important to remember that we can use our platform to contribute towards something meaningful and give back.

Q    Finally, from when and where can the tickets be purchased and how are they priced?
Tickets are available from No. 70A, Lauries Road, Colombo 04. Ticket prices range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000.