BharatanatyamKandyanChoreography

Hirushi Perera

Professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher bringing the grace of Bharatanatyam and the spirit of Sri Lankan Kandyan dance to students and stages across the UK.

Hirushi Perera performing a Bharatanatyam pose in front of a temple

2023

Teaching in the UK since

Bharat Natyam

Visharad

Portrait of Hirushi Perera in Bharatanatyam costume and temple jewellery
Hirushi in Kandyan dance costume

Artistic Profile

Rooted in tradition, moving with the world.

Professional dancer, choreographer and dance teacher specialising in Bharatanatyam, Sri Lankan traditional and Kandyan dance, with experience in performance, choreography, teaching, cultural events and community arts.

Active in professional and cultural dance across Sri Lanka and the UK, with international artistic exposure through performances and cultural programmes in Greece, India and Thailand. Today Hirushi teaches children and adults, choreographs for cultural celebrations and performs across the UK — sharing the grace, rhythm and storytelling of South Asian dance with every new stage and student.

Countries on her artistic journey
0
Countries on her artistic journey
UK cultural stages since 2024
0+
UK cultural stages since 2024
Years of teaching experience
0+
Years of teaching experience

Core artistic practice

  • Bharatanatyam / Bharat Natyam
  • Sri Lankan traditional and Kandyan dance
  • Creative, contemporary and fusion dance
  • Dance teaching for children and adults
  • Choreography and performance development
  • Rehearsal direction and stage preparation
  • Cultural education and community engagement
  • International and cross-cultural artistic activity

Dance Styles

Three languages of movement

From the temple-born precision of Bharatanatyam to the drum-led energy of Kandyan dance and new cross-cultural work.

Bharatanatyam dance

01 — Classical · South Indian

Bharatanatyam

A classical form of precise footwork, sculptural poses, hand gestures (mudras) and expressive storytelling (abhinaya). Trained through Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith to Visharad level and specialised at degree level.

Kandyan & Sri Lankan Traditional dance

02 — Heritage · Sri Lanka

Kandyan & Sri Lankan Traditional

The powerful, rhythmic dance traditions of Sri Lanka — energetic movement, intricate costume and drum-led rhythm — taught with the cultural context behind every step.

Creative, Contemporary & Fusion dance

03 — Cross-cultural · New work

Creative, Contemporary & Fusion

Original choreography that brings Bharatanatyam, Kandyan dance and contemporary movement into conversation — created for festivals, community programmes and the stage.

Classes & Teaching

Learn to dance with heart & heritage.

Structured, encouraging classes in Bharatanatyam and Sri Lankan traditional dance for children and adults — adapted to every age, ability and goal, from first steps to the stage.

Children

Joyful, structured classes that build rhythm, coordination and confidence — with a nurturing approach shaped by years of primary and early-years teaching.

Adults

Whether you are a complete beginner or returning to dance, learn technique, expression and the stories behind each movement at a pace that suits you.

Events & Workshops

Choreography, rehearsal direction and workshops for cultural celebrations, Avurudu shows, festivals, schools and community programmes.

Dancers in Kandyan and Sri Lankan traditional costume

What students learn

  • Technique & posture
  • Rhythm & footwork
  • Mudras & movement vocabulary
  • Expression & storytelling
  • Performance confidence
  • Cultural context

Group classes, private lessons and event choreography — get in touch to find the right fit.

Enquire now

Experience

A life in motion

Performing, choreographing and teaching — from university lecture halls in Colombo to community stages across the UK.

  1. 2023 — Present

    Active Chill Art Dance Company

    Dance Instructor · Performer · Choreographer United Kingdom

    • Deliver training in traditional and classical South Asian dance forms to children and adults.
    • Teach technique, rhythm, movement vocabulary, performance confidence and cultural context.
    • Create and choreograph dance items for performances, cultural celebrations and community programmes.
    • Prepare students through structured rehearsals, adapting to different ages and abilities.
    • Develop creative and fusion work combining Bharatanatyam, Kandyan dance and contemporary movement.
    • Collaborate with artists, teachers, organisers and community groups to plan and present performances.
  2. Oct 2022 — Jul 2023

    University of Visual and Performing Arts

    Visiting Lecturer (Part-Time) Colombo, Sri Lanka

    • Delivered creative and arts-focused teaching within a university environment.
    • Encouraged student engagement, collaboration and critical thinking through interactive teaching.
  3. Feb 2021 — Aug 2023

    Nakano College

    Primary School Teacher Panadura, Sri Lanka

    • Planned and delivered engaging lessons for pupils with diverse learning needs.
    • Used creative activities to support confidence, communication and participation.

On Stage

Performances & cultural activity

Avurudu celebrations, melas, festivals and gala stages — performing, choreographing and leading workshops across the UK.

  • March 2026

    Kala Eli Manglaya

    Dance Teacher

  • April 2026

    Leeds Buddhist Temple Avurudu Cultural Show

    Choreographer

  • 2026

    Croydon Dance Festival

    Cultural Performance

  • 2026

    Gala Concert

    Cultural Performance

  • 2026

    Festival of Netball Sri Lanka

    Cultural Performance

  • 2026

    South Asian Festival

    Cultural Performance

International highlight · Greece

22nd Emmeleia World Festival, Athens

Sri Lankan cultural dance performed at the Dora Stratou Theatre.

India

Performances and cultural programmes contributing to international artistic exposure.

Thailand

Cross-cultural artistic exchange through dance and cultural programmes.

Training & Qualifications

Years of devotion to the craft

  • 2008

    Madhyama — Dance (Bharat Natyam)

    Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow, India

  • 2019

    Visharad — Bharat Natyam

    Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow, India

  • Degree

    Special Degree in Performing Arts — Bharatanatyam

    University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • 2024

    MA Leadership & Management: Business Management

    York St John University, UK

  • Now

    NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare & Education

    In progress

“Building a long-term UK-based career in dance and the performing arts, with a focus on Bharatanatyam, Sri Lankan traditional dance, choreography, teaching, cultural exchange and public performance.”

Professional focus
Hirushi with fellow graduates of the University of Visual and Performing Arts
Hirushi in graduation robes
Hirushi celebrating graduation with a bouquet

Get in touch

Let’s dance
together.

For classes, private lessons, choreography for your event or to book a performance — Hirushi would love to hear from you.

I’m interested in

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