Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot

Embodying Change: Rangi Fernando on Dance, Therapy, and Cultural Roots


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In this episode Dee chats to Rangi Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born dancer and dance movement therapist who has recently returned to Sri Lanka after living in Germany. Rangi shares her journey of transitioning back to her homeland and her passion for Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), which she believes is a powerful tool for self-expression and therapy. She discusses her first major community performance project, 'Spotlight,' aimed at empowering women through dance. The episode delves into the origins and benefits of DMT, Rangi's unique career shift from accounting to dance, and shares insights on the connection between mind and body, the potential for movement to enhance well-being, and her initiative 'Sync and Move.' 

She also talks about her plans to expand her work in Sri Lanka, including corporate sessions, one-on-one therapy, and working with marginalized communities. The episode highlights the richness of Sri Lankan culture and the importance of representing it globally.

SUMMARY

00:58 Meet Rangi Fernando: A Journey of Dance and Movement

02:23 The Challenges of Transitioning Cultures

05:52 Understanding Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)

09:44 The Art and Science of Movement Therapy

13:35 Rangi's Personal Journey: From Accounting to Dance

18:16 The Birth of Sync and Move

21:42 Practical Tips for Enhancing Wellbeing Through Movement

23:19 Practicing Stillness and Sensory Awareness

24:18 Tapping into the Nervous System

24:44 The Power of Posture and Confidence

26:43 Journey to Germany for Dance Movement Therapy

30:00 Spotlight: Empowering Women Through Performance

38:58 Future Plans and Community Engagement

43:28 Cultural Identity and Global Representation

46:37 Final Thoughts

About Rangi Fernando

Rangi is a Sri Lankan dance movement psychotherapist and movement artist based in Germany, dedicated to community growth and the empowerment of women. As the visionary behind the globally recognized Sync & Move method, she has inspired over 1,500 practitioners across India, Singapore, Germany, the UK, Turkey, France, and Sweden. Seamlessly blending the artistry of Sri Lanka and Europe, Rangi creates transformative experiences through movement, dance, therapy, yoga, and performance.

Her Sync & Move method has expanded to over 100 workshops in seven countries, uniting over 170 dancers in four large-scale showcases and impacting more than 5,000 individuals worldwide.

As the pioneer of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in Sri Lanka, Rangi is celebrated for introducing a fresh perspective on dance, making it accessible to everyday people. Her ground-breaking work continues to bridge Western cultural integration with Sri Lankan practices, enriching the therapeutic landscape with new possibilities.

Instagram : rangi.f 





Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

  • Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
  • Architecture, art, and design
  • Sustainability and heritage
  • Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

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Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting PotBy Dee Gibson