Shamara Fonseka, aged 23, was one of two dancers representing Sri Lanka in the graduating class of 2021 at the Royal Academy of Dance Graduation ceremony held in August this year.
An alumnus of Deanna School of Dancing, Sri Lanka, Shamara was awarded the Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) which is a prestigious accomplishment recognised in over 190 countries, providing recipients with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to embark on a career as a internationally qualified ballet teacher.
We had a chat with Shamara on her incredible accomplishment and her journey as a ballet dancer as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
How were you first introduced to ballet?
I was introduced to ballet by my father’s sister, who I address as Nanda. She was a dancer herself and had learnt different styles of dancing such as ballet, jazz, tap and Spanish under Aunty Deanna many years ago, and began her teaching career as well at Deanna School of Dancing. She was later appointed as the Vice Principal of the school.
Watching my brother dance ballet at home under my aunt’s guidance, I gradually built a fascination and love for ballet which made me pursue it. Little did they know that enrolling me at ballet at the tender age of two would be an endless journey. I learned ballet under Aunty Deanna from then and started learning hip hop under Natasha akki when I was just six years old. My first performance on stage was when I was just two-plus in a little purple dress and since then I have participated in all performances both ballet and hip hop upto date.
Many young girls take up ballet as children, but not a lot of them stick with it. What inspired you to pursue ballet to this level?
My fascination for dance began at home and turned into a passion after I joined the Deanna School of Dancing.
If I say that I loved ballet all my life, that would be a big lie.
I stopped ballet just before my O/Level exams and felt quite lazy to go back to dance, but today I am thankful to my mother for pushing me so much during that time.
I did have ups and downs but it was Aunty Deanna, Natalie akki, and Natasha akki who brought me through all of it, helped me understand my passion for dancing, and guided me in ways to pursue it as a career. They have always been family to me and I am so blessed to have them guide me through all my obstacles, not just in ballet but also in life. I cannot forget Karin, who taught me in my senior grades. One good stare from her would eventually make me understand the steps she has taught me 100 times already.
Deanna School of Dancing is not just another dance school for me, it is my second home where I have spent almost all my life. DSD does not only teach you ballet but life lessons that will last your lifetime. It has built my confidence, disciplined me and taught me not to stop chasing my dreams.
Tell us a little bit about your most recent accomplishment, the Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and how important it was for you.
I graduated from my Teaching Degree, The Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies in August 2021. The CBTS, is recognised over 190 countries and provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to embark on a career as a ballet teacher. With a focus on RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabi, you will explore the development and progression of ballet technique alongside acquiring teaching skills appropriate for a private dance school. These two years have given me so much as a learning curve in both dance and life. The knowledge and the confidence I gained through this is immense. Practical studies were in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia which gave me a great exposure to meet other ballet teachers and share knowledge and expertise.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Aunty Deanna and Natalie akki for the guidance and the support, Natasha akki for always having my back and being my mentor, my colleague Jayeshi for sharing the memories of the two years and having each others’ backs, my family for always supporting all my decisions and being there for me and specially for watching all my performances throughout the years and sometimes watching the same performance on all 3/4 days, and last but not least, Aunty Sandy and Dianne for always being there and handling all my drama!
Do you feel that dance has shaped you into a better person, and how has it affected your day to day life?
That’s a definite YES! If I did not pursue dance since I was young, I don’t think I would have been who I am today. It’s not just about having a good posture, beautiful arm movements or having the best pointe, but it has given me so much more than that. My dance family, friends, the confidence, patience and many more good traits. Dance has given me the opportunity to express my feelings too.
What do you think about the perception of ballet in Sri Lanka?
Well up to a certain level there is lack of awareness as most people still believe that ballet is only for girls and that you really need to be flexible to start ballet.
Ballet is for anyone who loves it. Ballet is also considered as a sport and is so much more than just dancing. I would say that the ballet industry is growing at a very slow pace in Sri Lanka. There aren’t many ballet schools and the number of students who choose to continue is comparatively less. Especially due to the current pandemic most schools have been compelled to conduct online classes which has resulted in both positive and negative ways. Being online is not the easiest. We always strive to keep the students motivated and entertained at the same time.
Please share with a few career highlights and perhaps take us through a most memorable moment in your career, something that has deeply affected you?
I have been helping Aunty Deanna in classes since I was young, and an assistant teacher on and off since 2014 and to date my all time fear is “Aunty Deanna is taking the class today” – it still gives me the chills. She is the most loving teacher but, the fear of her watching my class will never change.
Well it would be hard to just choose one memorable moment. I remember this particular day in my Grade Five class, where I had not practiced and the teacher picked on me and it got me crying. Ever since then I never went into a class without practicing as I was so embarrassed.
Due to the current lockdown we have moved to conducting online classes and trust me there is never a dull moment in the classes. It is lovely to have little chats with them and listen to their stories. It definitely keeps us all going!
Finally, please share a message for young girls who may also wish to pursue their passion in ballet?
Yes, your pink tutu dream will come true. So don’t let anyone tell you any different! Ballet is a form of art which is for anyone, however to pursue it you should be well-disciplined, dedicated and have the love for it. You will never be a perfect dancer overnight. It will take months, years, and a lot of sacrifices. Never give up, keep chasing your dream!
An alumnus of Deanna School of Dancing, Sri Lanka, Shamara was awarded the Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) which is a prestigious accomplishment recognised in over 190 countries, providing recipients with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to embark on a career as a internationally qualified ballet teacher.
We had a chat with Shamara on her incredible accomplishment and her journey as a ballet dancer as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
How were you first introduced to ballet?
I was introduced to ballet by my father’s sister, who I address as Nanda. She was a dancer herself and had learnt different styles of dancing such as ballet, jazz, tap and Spanish under Aunty Deanna many years ago, and began her teaching career as well at Deanna School of Dancing. She was later appointed as the Vice Principal of the school.
Watching my brother dance ballet at home under my aunt’s guidance, I gradually built a fascination and love for ballet which made me pursue it. Little did they know that enrolling me at ballet at the tender age of two would be an endless journey. I learned ballet under Aunty Deanna from then and started learning hip hop under Natasha akki when I was just six years old. My first performance on stage was when I was just two-plus in a little purple dress and since then I have participated in all performances both ballet and hip hop upto date.
Many young girls take up ballet as children, but not a lot of them stick with it. What inspired you to pursue ballet to this level?
My fascination for dance began at home and turned into a passion after I joined the Deanna School of Dancing.
If I say that I loved ballet all my life, that would be a big lie.
I stopped ballet just before my O/Level exams and felt quite lazy to go back to dance, but today I am thankful to my mother for pushing me so much during that time.
I did have ups and downs but it was Aunty Deanna, Natalie akki, and Natasha akki who brought me through all of it, helped me understand my passion for dancing, and guided me in ways to pursue it as a career. They have always been family to me and I am so blessed to have them guide me through all my obstacles, not just in ballet but also in life. I cannot forget Karin, who taught me in my senior grades. One good stare from her would eventually make me understand the steps she has taught me 100 times already.
Deanna School of Dancing is not just another dance school for me, it is my second home where I have spent almost all my life. DSD does not only teach you ballet but life lessons that will last your lifetime. It has built my confidence, disciplined me and taught me not to stop chasing my dreams.
Tell us a little bit about your most recent accomplishment, the Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and how important it was for you.
I graduated from my Teaching Degree, The Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies in August 2021. The CBTS, is recognised over 190 countries and provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to embark on a career as a ballet teacher. With a focus on RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabi, you will explore the development and progression of ballet technique alongside acquiring teaching skills appropriate for a private dance school. These two years have given me so much as a learning curve in both dance and life. The knowledge and the confidence I gained through this is immense. Practical studies were in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia which gave me a great exposure to meet other ballet teachers and share knowledge and expertise.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Aunty Deanna and Natalie akki for the guidance and the support, Natasha akki for always having my back and being my mentor, my colleague Jayeshi for sharing the memories of the two years and having each others’ backs, my family for always supporting all my decisions and being there for me and specially for watching all my performances throughout the years and sometimes watching the same performance on all 3/4 days, and last but not least, Aunty Sandy and Dianne for always being there and handling all my drama!
Do you feel that dance has shaped you into a better person, and how has it affected your day to day life?
That’s a definite YES! If I did not pursue dance since I was young, I don’t think I would have been who I am today. It’s not just about having a good posture, beautiful arm movements or having the best pointe, but it has given me so much more than that. My dance family, friends, the confidence, patience and many more good traits. Dance has given me the opportunity to express my feelings too.
What do you think about the perception of ballet in Sri Lanka?
Well up to a certain level there is lack of awareness as most people still believe that ballet is only for girls and that you really need to be flexible to start ballet.
Ballet is for anyone who loves it. Ballet is also considered as a sport and is so much more than just dancing. I would say that the ballet industry is growing at a very slow pace in Sri Lanka. There aren’t many ballet schools and the number of students who choose to continue is comparatively less. Especially due to the current pandemic most schools have been compelled to conduct online classes which has resulted in both positive and negative ways. Being online is not the easiest. We always strive to keep the students motivated and entertained at the same time.
Please share with a few career highlights and perhaps take us through a most memorable moment in your career, something that has deeply affected you?
I have been helping Aunty Deanna in classes since I was young, and an assistant teacher on and off since 2014 and to date my all time fear is “Aunty Deanna is taking the class today” – it still gives me the chills. She is the most loving teacher but, the fear of her watching my class will never change.
Well it would be hard to just choose one memorable moment. I remember this particular day in my Grade Five class, where I had not practiced and the teacher picked on me and it got me crying. Ever since then I never went into a class without practicing as I was so embarrassed.
Due to the current lockdown we have moved to conducting online classes and trust me there is never a dull moment in the classes. It is lovely to have little chats with them and listen to their stories. It definitely keeps us all going!
Finally, please share a message for young girls who may also wish to pursue their passion in ballet?
Yes, your pink tutu dream will come true. So don’t let anyone tell you any different! Ballet is a form of art which is for anyone, however to pursue it you should be well-disciplined, dedicated and have the love for it. You will never be a perfect dancer overnight. It will take months, years, and a lot of sacrifices. Never give up, keep chasing your dream!