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

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 

Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse

This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.