StepSync, a vivacious project launched by the Professional Development Avenue of the Rotaract Club at SLIIT, forms part of their sub-project ‘Persona’ within our signature project ‘Stride’. StepSync aims to provide Dance practice sessions for beginners or those uncomfortable in social dance settings. Thereby, building social skills invaluable for a comfortable and safe experience at a social gathering. 

Held on January 21, 2024, at the LEO Youth Center in Colombo 07, StepSync follows the theme of “Groove together, create memories.” Led by Mr. Priyan Wasala, a skilled dance instructor with experience in various institutions, including the armed forces, American School, Police Training School, Colombo Institute and Win-Stone Hotel School. The workshops ran from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, allowing ample time for attendees to immerse themselves in a captivating and rhythmic learning experience.

At the onset of the session, Mr. Wasala shared personal insights and experiences about dancing in social settings. He emphasized the significance of observing social dance etiquette such as personal hygiene and respectful interactions with potential dance partners.

Throughout the next step, Mr. Wasala actively engaged with participants, offering them with one-on-one guidance. To assist him, demonstrations were conducted by professional dancers who also contributed to the project with their invaluable assistance. Throughout the session, attendees were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and engage in dance rotations to interact with everyone present.

StepSync sets itself apart as a unique project because it introduced its participants to several different social dance styles. The three-and-a-half-hour session covered ballroom classics like Foxtrot and Waltz and lively Latin dances such as Salsa and Social Jive. The participants were also introduced to  Merengue, known for its slower pace. To top it off, the session concluded with Zumba, set to upbeat Sri Lankan music, giving our project that authentic twist it deserved.

StepSync opened gateways for 40 energetic participants and a dedicated dance instructor to collaborate in a truly transformative experience. We thank both parties for their lively engagement.

This initiative by the Professional Development Avenue of Rotaract Club of SLIIT facilitated not only dancing together and exploring various styles but also focused on personal development, etiquette, and building connections beyond the dance floor. The positive and constructive feedback provided by our participants will help us to embark on equally important journeys.

Penned By:

Rtr. Rishini Bandaranayake

Editorial Committee Member 23.24