History

At first, the people of Sri Lanka master the art of dancing to worship the supernatural power. They danced to satisfy the supernatural powers or Gods because they feared them. In the 4th century (B.C.), Sri Lankan people used dancing as a means to expel natural calamities or sickness. However, at the end of Polonnaruwa era (15th century A.D.), people in Sri Lanka were greatly influenced by South Indian dancing cultures. They adopted the arts of South Indian dancing into their folk dancing. By the passing of time, people developed a new dancing style and it differed from each other in terms of regions or local destinations.

Over the course of time, Sri Lankan people have developed three distinct dancing forms. These are as follows 

• The Kandyan dances of the Up Country
• The Low country dances of the southern plains
• Sabaragamuwa dances (Sabaragamuwa Natum)