Dance Organization
Community
Salaru Sri Lankan Cultural Academy
Saliya Ilankoon
Male / He/Him/His
Salaru – Sri Lankan Cultural Academy was founded by Saliya Ilankoon, a young professional dancer who migrated to US in 2017. Salaru was established with the mission of training young kids, mainly with Sri Lankan descent on traditional Sri Lankan dance forms. The Salaru students regularly participate in Sri Lankan community events, universities, various institutes, and also in international events.The Salaru academy has made a significant progress within a short period of time and by now it has grown beyond Houston, Texas, with students enrolling from multiple other states in US as well.
Saliya Ilankoon is a Sri Lankan Professional Dancer, and the Founder of Sri Lankan cultural dance academy in Houston, Texas.
He began his vibrant artistic career with mastering traditional Sri Lankan dance and drums, and then completed his BFA (Dance and Drama Special) from University of The Visual andPerforming Arts in Sri Lanka. He also obtained Visharad(Bharatanatyam) from Bhatkande Sangit Vidyapit, Lucknow, India. Saliya then expanded his horizons over international stage as a Professional Dancer and a Drummer in the world renowned Channa-Upuli Performing Art Foundation, performing over 15 countries.
Saliya participated in the world renowned opera -“Pearl Fishers” at Houston Grand Opera, as the Consultant Artists for Kandyan Dance as well as a performer. His Dance academy has participated in various dance events with other dance organizations in Texas. Recently, he won a gold medal for his dance production “Chronicles of Ravana” from MUSE.
Saliya continues to teach and share his knowledge of Sri Lankan dance to the international community.