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Draft:Vihanga Rukshan

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  1. Vihanga Rukshan Wiki Page
    1. Early Life and Education

Vihanga Rukshan, a Kathak and contemporary dancer from Sri Lanka, began his journey in the performing arts after initially pursuing a degree in architecture. His passion for dance led him to a career dedicated to the art form, blending traditional and contemporary styles.

He completed his Bachelor of Performing Arts in Classical Kathak Dance from Bhatkhande Sanskriti University, Lucknow, achieving a First Class Distinction and earning the prestigious Bhatkhande Medal. Vihanga’s formal Kathak training started in Sri Lanka under Guru Moksha Samarasooriya and continued under Dr. Mitul Sengupta. In 2016, he received a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), allowing him to train under esteemed gurus in India, including Dr. Mitul Sengupta ,Guru Veena Singh and guru sanjukta sinha.

Vihanga’s higher education includes a higher diploma graduation from Offjazz Company France - Rhythmosaic Dance Institute India, where he specialized in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, and Dance Psychology. He also holds an M.A. from J.G. School of Performing Arts.

    1. Dance Training and Style

In the contemporary scene, Vihanga Rukshan has emerged as a distinguished Sri Lankan Kathak and contemporary dancer. from 2012 , Vihanga has been specializing in the paramparik Kathak style of Maharaj Pt. Vikram Singh’s guru parampara under guru Moksha Samarasooriya & following guru Mitul Sengupta, Guru Veena Singh & Guru Sanjukta Sinha. His practicing under renowned Indian classical artists, such as Pt. Rajendra Gangani,Rohit Parihar, Aditi Mangaldas and Pt. Anuj Mishra,Ashimbandu Bhattacharyya has honed his craft. He has also explored contemporary dance under internationally acclaimed mentors, including Damien Lee,venessa Mariya Janis Claxton, Prasanna saikia, Ronnie Shambic, Mohamed Dirissi and Martin Phili.

Vihanga is a company member of the Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company in Ahmedabad, where he has worked under the guidance of Sanjukta Sinha for the past five years.

    1. Career Highlights
      1. Performances

Vihanga has performed at prestigious venues and events, including:

- NCPA Mumbai - Nita Mukesh Ambani Theatre - Delhi Kathak Kendra - Madras Music Academy - Ranga Shankara Bangalore - Natarani Amphy theatre, Ahmedabad - Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo - Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo - Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo

His repertoire includes performances for the Royal Victoria Museum Kolkata and the Bangalore International Center for Creativity.

      1. Teaching and Mentorship

Vihanga has served as a visiting lecturer at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. He worked as an assistant teacher at ICCR for seven years, where he contributed to numerous productions and nurtured the next generation of dancers.

      1. Translation and Writing

Vihanga is Kathak dance books into Sinhala, including the 'Kathak Nritya Mala,' which he has titled 'Vikram' in honor of Pandit Wickramasinghe Maharaj.

      1. Edgevin Vihan Company

As the founder of the Edgevin Vihan Company, Vihanga connects Sri Lanka and India through Kathak dance. The company facilitated free online workshops during the Covid-19 lockdown, enabling Sri Lankan students to learn from Indian professionals. It continues to promote collaborations between Sri Lankan students and Indian choreographers.

    1. Vision

Vihanga envisions creating a structured system for teaching Classical Kathak in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the Guru-Shishya Parampara system. His goal is to nurture 'Shastriya Shishyas,' preserving traditional Indian concepts while bridging classical and contemporary knowledge in Kathak dance.

    1. Awards and Recognition

- **Nritya Sheela Samman (2018)**: Awarded by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for his contributions to dance. - **Bhatkhande Medal**: Recognized for achieving a First Class Distinction in his Bachelor's degree in Kathak. - Finished his Masters in Kathak dance in Jg College in Ahmedabad India

    1. Legacy

Vihanga honors the legacy of revered figures in the Kathak tradition, such as Guru Pt. Jinadasa Wickramsinghe Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana, known for his deep devotion to classical dance and Indian cultural heritage in Sri Lanka. Vihanga’s dedication to dance transcends performance; he is a cultural ambassador, educator, and innovator, fostering a deeper appreciation for Kathak and contemporary dance in Sri Lanka and beyond.

References

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Category:Living people Category:Sri Lankan dancers Category:kathak dancer Category:Contemporary dancers