Mrs. R. H. Dissanayake

Mrs. R. H. Dissanayake

Lecturer

Qualifications:

BPA (UVPA) Hons, MA (Kelaniya), PhD (in progress), Nritya Visharad (Bhatkhande Sangeeth Vidyapit, India), Diploma in Choreography (SLF), Fitness Education (Cer), Diploma in Yoga (GWUIM), CTHE (UVPA)

Profile:

Lecturer Ruchira Dissanayake is a dedicated academic and practitioner specializing in Kandyan Dance, a classical art form of Sri Lanka, and Kathak Dance, a classical art form of India. She holds a BPA from University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2010) and a master’s degree from University of Kelaniya (2019). Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, as a recipient of the prestigious Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship. Through her academic and practical journey, she has developed a profound understanding of the historical, cultural, socio-anthropological, and performance dimensions of dance. As a Lecturer in the Department of Kandyan Dance at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, she emphasizes cultivating a critical, reflective, and innovative relationship with the art form bridging practice and theory. Her academic focus includes fostering cultural guardianship, exploring choreographic dimensions of dance, and encouraging collaborative innovation among artists and researchers. Beyond academia, Lecturer Ruchira Dissanayake actively participates in community outreach programs and international cultural events, promoting Kandyan Dance to global audiences. Her research interests encompass choreography, cultural performance, aesthetics, ritualistic traditions, holistic well-being, and dance pedagogy. A key area of her inquiry examines how dance can enhance artistic skills and support the overall well-being of practitioners, particularly in contexts where access to advanced training is limited. She has published extensively in national and international journals and presented research at multiple international symposia. Her work reflects unwavering passion, scholarly commitment, and a deep dedication to advancing the field of dance through both practice and research. As both a researcher and practitioner, Lecturer Ruchira Dissanayake aims to explore new dimensions of Sri Lankan dance forms through innovative research, while actively disseminating these traditions to ensure their contemporary relevance and serving as a cultural ambassador on international platforms.

Research Interests:

Choreography and Performance Theories, Community Engagement through Dance, Dance Pedagogy and Dance Education, Phenomenology and Performance, Comparative studies, Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology, Dance Therapy, Yoga.

Publications: Journal articles and Symposiums:

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: CHANGING WORLD, CHALLENGING BOUNDARIES: NEW FRONTIERS IN CREATIVE ARTS AND HUMANITIES.

university of the visual and performing arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2018
“Cross-Cultural Synergies: The Contribution of Kathak Dance Techniques to the Development of Sri Lankan Creative Dance”

PROCEEDINGS UVPA COLOMBO

ISBN 978-955-0322-14-5

14^th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (ICERI),2021

“Sri Lankan Dance in the Face of Covid – 19 Epidemic”

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CULTURES OF CHILDHOOD IN CONTEMPORARY SOUTH ASIA.

Department of Sociology, South Asian University and Centre for Media and Mass Communication Studies, Jamia Hamdard University, 2023

“The influence of dance training on motor coordination of younger school-age girls in Sri Lanka”

3RD BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES (IASAS)

Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), 2023

“Nutritional development of Sri Lankan Traditional Dancers”

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS CONFERENCE (IPAC)

University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lana, 2025

“Dance Movement Therapy of Kandyan Dance Tradition in Sri Lanka”

“The interrelationship between fine arts and Sri Lankan traditional dance”

Department of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka

Volume 01, No: 01 2024

ISSN: 2362-0854

Awards:

A.P.J.Abdul Kalaam Commonwealth Scholarship Award -2025/2026 (PhD), Hogh Commission of India.
Pannibharatha Scholarship Award 2007/2008 – University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colomco, Sri Lanka.
Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Award (2005/ 2006)
All Island National Award – 1^st Runner up – Best Solo Dancer Category.
National Youth Awrds (2012)
National Award – Best Creative Female Dancer of the Year 2011 (University of Kelaniya)
National Award – Best Kathak Dancer of the Year 2011(University of Kelaniya)
Best Choreographer Award – 2014 (Prathiba Prabha)

International Cultural/Collaboration Events:

Participated 17^th World Festival of Youth & Students – 2010, South Africa.
Cultural Program – 2009, Thailand (Royal Thailand International Culture Centre)
International Cultural Dance Festival – 2011, Algeria.
Cultural Program – 2011, Thailand (Royal Thailand International Culture Centre)
Cultural Dance Dissemination Program – 2012, Singapore.
Tourism Promotion Event – 2013, India.
Cultural Exchange Program – 2016, India.
70^th National Independence Day Celebration – 2018, Seychelles.
Cultural Exchange Program – 2019, Seychelles.

Achievements:

Sri Lankan Brand Ambassador of International Teachers Association (ITA).
Ambassador of International Model United Nation (IMUM).
Committee Member of Sri Lanka Professional Dancers and Drummers Organization.
Coordinator of VAPA Dance Ensemble – UBL (University Business Linkage)
Choreographer – Secret Symphony Production, UVPA 2023.
Committee Member – implementation of a Promotional (Branding) for the Faculty in the Local and International Arena. UVPA
Member – Need Analysis Committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. UVPA
Committee Member – Obtaining Creative Contracts Related to Dance, Drama, and Film & Television from the Entertainment Industry. UVPA
Sub Committee Member – International Performing Arts Conference 2025 (IPAC)
Student Counsellor – (UVPA)

Mrs. R. H. Dissanayake