• The Dance Lab Sri Lanka at the Singapore Challenge Cup 2025

From 9 to 13 September, The Dance Lab – School of Performing Arts proudly carried the Sri Lankan flag onto the international stage at the prestigious Singapore Challenge Cup, held at the renowned Gateway Theatre. Led by Artistic Director and Principal, Meliza Shabdeen, the school made history as the first Sri Lankan dance academy to compete and triumph in the lyrical category at an international competition.

With months of rigorous preparation behind them, The Dance Lab dancers returned home with four medals – three silver and one bronze – in the Group and Duet categories. Yet, for Meliza, this achievement goes far beyond the trophies. It represents resilience, sacrifice, and a breakthrough moment for Sri Lankan dance on the global stage.

The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with Meliza to talk about the journey, the challenges, and what this milestone means for the future of dance in Sri Lanka.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What was the most memorable moment for you and your dancers during the Singapore Challenge Cup?

There were a few unforgettable moments for us, but for me, walking into Gateway Theatre for the very first time and realising that I had made it was indescribable – the chills and emotions were beyond words. Every sacrifice back home, with countless hours away from my family, had led to this very stage.

Another highlight, both for myself and my students, was being surrounded by extraordinary talent from across the world, meeting competitive dancers, and gaining a glimpse into their world and training – and of course, our four wins!

Competing internationally comes with challenges. What were some obstacles your team faced, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was the uncertainty of the stage itself. The grip, feel, spacing, measurements, and stage wings were all unknown to us. We also didn’t know where the judges would be seated, which is crucial since eye contact plays a big role in our choreography.

To overcome this, I created a clean plan months in advance. We rehearsed in tighter spaces so that a larger stage would feel more comfortable. Our dancers also practised at studios in Singapore as we knew the floor would be Harlequin – very different from the wooden floors we are used to back home. Many of our dancers ended up with bruises due to this adjustment and the intensity of our choreography.

I even printed large images of judges to practise making eye contact at the correct level. This preparation eased much of the pressure when we finally stepped on stage.

How did you prepare your students for the lyrical category, given this was Sri Lanka’s first time competing and winning in it?

Preparation was the key to success. My dancers followed a strict attendance policy, and clear consequences were set if they missed sessions. I also paid close attention to their nutrition, particularly protein intake, since lyrical requires immense stamina and strength to sustain four-minute-plus performances.

Training was intense, with countless hours spent cutting, polishing, and refining every detail of the choreography. Lyrical dance is all about storytelling through movement, and expressions play a vital role in my work. I placed strong emphasis on ensuring my dancers not only mastered the technique but also conveyed the emotion behind every step.

To strengthen this, I guided them to curate pre-competition playlists that matched the emotions and dynamics of each piece. This mental and emotional preparation helped them step onto the stage fully immersed in their roles and ready to bring the story to life.

Beyond the medals, what do you think this achievement means for the future of dance in Sri Lanka?

For many, it was the very first time hearing Sri Lanka’s name announced at SCCDC. That was a surreal and deeply proud moment for me and my girls. I’ve always dreamed of showcasing our talent on a global stage, as the exposure it brings is invaluable, and this milestone proves that we do belong.

I hope this achievement will inspire dancers in Sri Lanka to step forward and realise that we are good at what we do. Our creativity, work ethic, passion, and team spirit are what will set us apart – not just in lyrical, but across many genres.

Could you share how the dancers balanced their personal commitments – school, work, or other activities – alongside such intensive training?

Our dancers knew that committing to competitive dance meant embracing a heavy workload and sacrifices. Ranging from ages 13-20, they managed to balance schoolwork and university life alongside intense rehearsals. Many spent late nights completing assessments and studying until dawn, but they showed incredible discipline in prioritising both their academics and their training.

What role did teamwork and camaraderie play in your group’s success at an international level?

Teamwork was at the heart of our success. I constantly reminded the dancers that group performances offer lessons you cannot gain in a solo or duet performance – it’s about learning from and supporting each other. Creating a positive team spirit and keeping everyone’s mindset calm and clear was a continuous effort, but it did pay off. Watching them uplift one another through challenges was truly heart-warming and a big part of why we succeeded together.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to build on this milestone and inspire more young Sri Lankans to pursue dance on a global stage?

This is only the beginning for us. Competing internationally has opened doors and shown us the possibilities in many countries. We hope to inspire more young Sri Lankans to take bold steps, be fearless, and embrace the challenge of competitive dance.

Since opportunities like these are age-sensitive, my advice is to go for it while you can and to ‘work hard in silence’. Most importantly, we must first believe in ourselves and know, with confidence, that we have what it takes to perform among the world’s best.