Mrs. S. A. A. D. Yamuna Nishanthi Peiris

Mrs. S.A.A.D. Yamuna Nishanthi Peiris is a Senior Lecturer (Grade I) specializing in Kandyan Dance, choreography, and dance pedagogy, with extensive experience as an academic, performer, and researcher. Her academic training combines formal higher education in Sri Lankan traditional dance with advanced professional qualifications in North Indian classical dance, particularly Kathak, offering her a strong comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. She holds both Bachelor and Master Degrees in Performing Arts from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and a Diploma in Choreography from the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Her Visharada qualification in Kathak from the prestigious Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow, reflects her depth of engagement with classical dance traditions beyond national boundaries. Her academic and creative work focuses on traditional movement structures, rhythmic systems, and the philosophical foundations of Kandyan Dance. She has a particular interest in the integration of Yoga philosophy and yoga therapy into dance training, emphasizing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of movement practice. Through her teaching and research, she actively contributes to the systematic understanding and transmission of classical verse fragments, ritual elements, and pedagogical frameworks within Kandyan Dance. As an educator, Mrs. Peiris is committed to nurturing disciplined performers and reflective scholars, encouraging students to engage critically with tradition while maintaining artistic authenticity. Her scholarly contributions strengthen theoretical discourse on Sri Lankan dance traditions and support their continued relevance in contemporary academic and cultural contexts.

Research Interests:

• Traditional Dance Movement Arrangement
• Traditional Rhythmic Systems
• Yoga Philosophy and Yoga Therapy
• Classical Verse Fragments in Kandyan Dance
• Dance Pedagogy

Publications:

• “Gangabada Paththuwe Dewa Adahili Saha Wishwasayanhi Adyathana Swarupaya”
  Narthana Gaweshi, 2024
• “Kohomba Yak Kankari Shanthikarmaye Paramartha Saha Ehi Namakaranaya Athara Sambandhathawa”
  Narthana Gaweshi, 2025

International Performances and Representations:

• France – International Samma Ballet (2000)
• Italy – International Samma Ballet (2000)
• India – Academic staff and undergraduate cultural exchange programme, University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2019)