Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music to Get You Moving

Looking to get your body moving to some Sri Lankan folk dance music? Then check out this blog post for some great tracks to get you going!

Introduction

Folk dances are a part of every culture, and Sri Lanka is no different. With a rich history and diverse range of influences, Sri Lankan folk dance is an important part of the country’s heritage.

There are many different types of folk dances in Sri Lanka, each with its own unique style and rhythm. Some of the most popular folk dances include the Kandyan dance, Sawankhalok dance, Kolam dance, and Rekenda dance.

Whether you’re looking to get your heart pumping or simply want to enjoy some traditional music, these Sri Lankan folk dances are sure to get you moving!

What is Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music?

Sri Lankan folk dance music is a traditional form of dance music that is unique to the island nation of Sri Lanka. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the sitar, tabla, and mridangam, as well as its use of vocalizations and body percussion. Sri Lankan folk dances are often performed in groups, with each dancer performing a specific role in the dance.

The history of Sri Lankan folk dance music can be traced back to the island’s earliest inhabitants, the Vedda people. The Vedda are thought to have brought their musical traditions with them when they migrated to Sri Lanka from India some 2,000 years ago. Since then, the music has been constantly evolving, incorporating influences from both South and Southeast Asia.

Today, Sri Lankan folk dance music remains an important part of the island’s cultural heritage. Folk dances are often performed at weddings and other special occasions, and they provide a way for people to connect with their culture and express their joy and enthusiasm. Whether you’re looking to add some flavor to your next party or simply want to experience the beauty of this unique musical tradition, Sri Lankan folk dance music is sure to get you moving!

The Origins of Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music

The music of Sri Lanka has its roots in four primary influences: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Sri Lankan music is a blend of these four traditions that has been shaped by centuries of foreign influence.

Buddhist music is probably the oldest form of Sri Lankan music, and it remains an important part of the island’s musical heritage. Buddhist music is used for ceremonies and rituals, and it often employs chanting as a means of religious instruction.

Hindu music, on the other hand, is more focused on entertainment and celebrating special occasions. Hindu music often makes use of instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and mridangam.

Islamic music arrived in Sri Lanka with the Arab traders who came to the island in the 8th century. Islamic music is characterized by its use of repetitive rhythmic patterns and its focus on vocal performance.

Christianity was introduced to Sri Lanka by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Christian music in Sri Lanka is largely influenced by Western musical traditions, and it employs instruments such as the piano and violin.

The Instruments Used in Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music

The music of Sri Lanka has its roots in the island’s history and culture, which is a mix of native, South Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Traditional Sri Lankan music is divided into two main categories: folk music and classical music. Folk music is further divided into subcategories such as baila, work songs, rukaththo (songs of love and Yearning), serendipity (songs of good fortune), boatsongs, and the music of handicraftsmen. Classical music is based on the ethnic instrumental music of South India and dates back to the 15th century. It is performed by professional musicians called veena players and drummers.

The Different Types of Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music

Folk dances are performed to celebrate festivals, religious events, and other special occasions. The music for these dances is often upbeat and lively, designed to get the dancers moving.

There are many different types of Sri Lankan folk dance music, each with its own distinctive sound and rhythm. The most popular genres include:

-Baila: This is the most popular type of Sri Lankan folk dance music, and is characterized by its fast tempo and upbeat rhythms. Baila songs are often about love or other romantic topics, and are danced by couples or groups of people.
-Punanchi: Punanchi music is slower and more melodic than baila, and is typically danced by pairs of people. These dances are often performed at weddings or other special celebrations.
-Kavi: Kavi folk dances are slow and graceful, and are usually performed by women. The music for these dances is typically very beautiful and lyrical, and often tells a story.
-Kolam: Kolam folk dances are fast-paced and energetic, usually performed by groups of people. The music for these dances is lively and often includes drums to keep the dancers moving.

How to Get Started With Sri Lankan Folk Dance Music

People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy Sri Lankan folk dance music. Whether you’re looking to add some energy to your workout routine or just want to explore a new type of music, give it a try!

To get started, you’ll need to find some Sri Lankan folk dance music to listen to. You can find this type of music online or in stores that specialize in world music. Once you have some Sri Lankan folk dance music, put on comfortable clothes and get ready to move!

There are many different types of Sri Lankan folk dances, so you can choose the one that best suits your mood and energy level. If you’re feeling upbeat, try a dance like the “Baila,” which is fast-paced and features lots of movement. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, try the “Kolama,” which is a slower-paced dance that is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.

Once you’ve chosen a dance, follow along with the music and let yourself go! There are no set steps or moves to follow, so just enjoy the moment and let the rhythm take over. You may even find yourself forgetting all your worries as you get lost in the music.

Whether you’re dancing by yourself or with friends, Sri Lankan folk dance music is a great way to add some fun and excitement to your life. So turn up the volume and get moving!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our Sri Lankan folk dance music playlist! As you can see, there is a lot of variety in the genre, and we hope that this has given you a taste of what Sri Lankan folk dance music has to offer.Whether you’re looking for something traditional or more modern, there’s sure to be a Sri Lankan folk dance song that gets you moving.