Chitrasena Dance Company

PRĀNA: Sharing of a Dance Tradition

The PRĀNA Summer Programme brings together a diverse range of experiences across dance, movement, music, drumming, acting, costumes and creative expression.

Over seven days, participants will have the opportunity to explore different aspects of performance and the creative traditions that surround it, through practical workshops, movement sessions, discussions and hands-on learning with experienced practitioners.

Dates: 16th – 22nd August 2026
Venue: Chitrasena School of Dance

Full Course | Half Course | Stand-Alone Sessions

Swipe through the detailed programme schedule and discover the sessions waiting for you at PRĀNA.

Applications are now OPEN for PRĀNA: Sharing of a Dance Tradition.

Join us for a unique week of learning, movement, storytelling and cultural exploration at the Chitrasena School of Dance from 16th–22nd August.

Whether you're interested in the Full Course (12 sessions), Half Course (6 sessions) or Stand-Alone Sessions, PRĀNA offers an opportunity to engage with Sri Lanka's rich dance traditions through workshops, discussions and practical experiences led by renowned artists and practitioners.

Applications close on 12th August, so don't miss your chance to be part of this special programme.

Register now using the Google Form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0axUmJTYiOdftiaTW8uaTa8DaQb8dfzPW3qpjO84j9MkonQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor]

We look forward to welcoming you to PRĀNA.

Applications are now OPEN for PRĀNA: Sharing of a Dance Tradition.

Join us for a unique week of learning, movement, storytelling and cultural exploration at the Chitrasena School of Dance from 16th–22nd August.

Whether you're interested in the Full Course (12 sessions), Half Course (6 sessions) or Stand-Alone Sessions, PRĀNA offers an opportunity to engage with Sri Lanka's rich dance traditions through workshops, discussions and practical experiences led by renowned artists and practitioners.

Applications close on 12th August, so don't miss your chance to be part of this special programme.

Register now using the Google Form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0axUmJTYiOdftiaTW8uaTa8DaQb8dfzPW3qpjO84j9MkonQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor]

We look forward to welcoming you to PRĀNA.

KandyanDance PerformingArts TraditionalArts DanceEducation SriLanka

SAVE THE DATE | PRĀNA:
Sharing of a Dance Tradition

This August, the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya presents PRĀNA: Sharing of a Dance Tradition. Our first-ever Summer Programme, bringing together history, movement, self-awareness and traditional Sri Lankan dance in an immersive week of learning.

🗓️ 16–22 August
📍 Chitrasena School of Dance

The programme consists of three interconnected parts:

*Stories in Dance*
Discover the rich heritage of Sri Lankan dance theatre through stories, experiences and traditions shared by the masters who have carried it forward.

*Movement & Self-Awareness*
The practice of strength, balance and control through mindful movement, developing a deeper connection between body and mind.

*Dance Techniques*
Introduction to traditional Sri Lankan dance for stage.

Participants may join:
The Full Course (12 sessions)
Half Course (6 sessions)
Stand-Alone Sessions.

Programme lineup, session schedule and registration details will be announced soon. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and be among the first to secure your place.

Today, we commemorate the 21st death anniversary of Guru Chitrasena.

Though 21 years have passed since he left us, his vision, spirit, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire generations of dancers and artists. As the pioneer who brought Sri Lankan traditional dance to the modern stage, Guru Chitrasena transformed our cultural heritage into a powerful artistic language that resonated across the world.

His legacy lives on through every performance, every student, and every dream nurtured at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya.

Forever remembered. Forever inspiring.

Today, we commemorate the 21st death anniversary of Guru Chitrasena.

Though 21 years have passed since he left us, his vision, spirit, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire generations of dancers and artists. As the pioneer who brought Sri Lankan traditional dance to the modern stage, Guru Chitrasena transformed our cultural heritage into a powerful artistic language that resonated across the world.

His legacy lives on through every performance, every student, and every dream nurtured at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya.

Forever remembered. Forever inspiring.

Today we celebrate our Thaji ❤️

Born into the rhythm of the Kalayathanaya, dance came to Thaji, we feel, as naturally as breathing. From the time she was little, she threw herself fully into this life — rehearsals, performances, touring, teaching, costumes, chaos, laughter, exhaustion, and all — not because anyone asked her to, but because she genuinely loved it.

As the third generation torchbearer of the Chitrasena legacy, Thaji carries forward a lifetime of knowledge, discipline, and instinct that can only come from someone who has truly lived this dance tradition within that philosophy every single day of her life.

Audiences in Sri Lanka and around the world have witnessed the rare artist she has become — a dancer of extraordinary power, beauty, precision, and emotional depth.

Today, Thaji stands not only as one of the finest embodiments of the Chitrasena technique, but also as the heartbeat of the Company and school itself.

We are so proud of her, deeply grateful for her, and very lucky to have her.

Happy Birthday Thaji ✨

Chitrasena Dance Company

Photograph by Arrenga Nadaraja