Our Legacy of Excellence
Ranga Dinu Dance Academy was founded in 2005 in Pavia, Milan, Italy, beginning with just 10 students. Over time, the academy grew to more than 60 students, performing at prestigious international festivals such as Lo Spirito del Pianeta and Artistrada – Colmurano Buskers Festival. In 2008, a proud highlight was performing on the Italian national TV show Rai Uno Soliti Ignoti.
In 2018, the academy’s founder moved with their family to the United Kingdom, settling in Stoke-on-Trent. After five years, the first UK class was launched in Manchester in 2023. Today, the academy runs regular classes in Manchester, York, and Stoke-on-Trent, with plans to expand to Nottingham soon.
We are specialists in Sri Lankan Traditional Dance, Sri Lankan Traditional Drums, Bollywood Dance, Fitness Dance, and Party Dance. Our mission is to share culture, rhythm, and creativity while inspiring students of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves through the joy of dance.
Founder’s Profile – Dinusha Darshanie
From a young age, Dinusha Darshanie discovered the rhythm of life through movement and expression. Her artistic journey began at Kalani Tissa School in Sri Lanka, where she not only pursued her academic studies but also embarked on her path in traditional Sri Lankan dance. Under the guidance of her first teacher, Srimali Kapurupaksha, Dinusha spent four years mastering the fundamentals of Sri Lanka’s rich dance heritage. Her passion and natural talent soon led her to train under one of the most iconic dance legends of Sri Lanka, Channa Wijewardena, who further nurtured her artistry and stage presence.
After successfully completing her Advanced Level examinations, Dinusha’s journey took her beyond the borders of her homeland. She moved to Italy, where her love for dance blossomed even further. There, she immersed herself in the study of classical Indian dance forms, training in Bharatanatyam and Kathak under a talented teacher in Italy. This exposure to diverse styles enriched her artistry, enabling her to blend traditional Sri Lankan roots with the elegance of Indian classical dance.
But Dinusha’s story extends beyond the stage. A true believer in holistic well-being, she developed a deep passion for fitness and health. Between 2013 and 2018, she worked as a fitness instructor at Campus Aquae Pavia in Italy, where she inspired countless individuals with her energy, discipline, and enthusiasm. For Dinusha, dance and fitness are inseparable – both are powerful expressions of the body, mind, and spirit.
Today, Dinusha Darshanie stands as not only a dancer and performer but also a teacher, fitness enthusiast, and cultural ambassador. She continues to dedicate her life to preserving traditional arts while embracing contemporary influences, making her work both timeless and relevant. Through her journey, she reminds us that art is not just performance – it is a way of life, a language of the soul, and a bridge that connects cultures.
“Dance is my heartbeat, fitness is my strength, and teaching is my calling. Through movement, I find freedom, discipline, and joy – and I strive to share that gift with the world.” – Dinusha Darshanie