Exploring Rata Yakuma: Weaving DMT

Context

This collaborative research project investigated the Rata Yakuma ritual from Sri Lanka’s low-country dance tradition, focusing on its historical use in supporting women’s reproductive health and psychological well being. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was a remote and onsite collaboration between Sri Lankan and American researchers with backgrounds in traditional dance and dance/movement therapy (DMT).

The Rata Yakuma ritual, traditionally performed to prevent miscarriage, support fertility, and ensure safe childbirth, was examined for its therapeutic potential in contemporary Sri Lankan contexts. The project emphasized the ritual’s symbolic movement language, rhythmic structures, and community based healing aspects, aligning them with DMT principles.

Methodology

The research combined embodied fieldwork, didactic learning, and experiential activities. It involved an immersive study of the ritual, movement analysis, and cross cultural dialogue. The collaboration was grounded in mutual mentorship and academic exchange, with both researchers contributing their lived experiences and disciplinary expertise.

Objectives

Therapeutic Exploration:

To investigate how the Rata Yakuma ritual can be adapted and applied within contemporary therapeutic frameworks, particularly DMT.

Community Engagement

To emphasize the importance of communal support, symbolism, and embodied practices in healing processes.

Collaborative Contributions

Ashley Fargnoli, MA, LCPC, BC-DMT is a dance/movement therapist and lecturer working alongside conflict-affected populations.USA, & Licensed Psychotherapist Dancer | Choreographer | Filmmaker Fulbright Scholar (Alumna) https://www.ashleyfargnolitherapy

Cross-cultural Exchange

To foster a meaningful exchange between Sri Lankan and American researchers, integrating traditional dance knowledge with therapeutic methodologies.

Women's Health & Wellbeing

To highlight the ritual’s historical role in supporting women’s reproductive and emotional health and explore its potential for addressing modern psychosocial challenges.

Cultural Preservation & innovation

To preserve the cultural integrity of the ritual while exploring its relevance and adaptability in modern healing practices.c

Outputs

Conference Presentation:

Presented research at the American Dance Therapy Association Virtual Conference in October 2021. The session titled “Exploring Rata Yakuma: Weaving Dance/Movement Therapy and a Sri Lankan Healing Ritual” shared embodied research findings and therapeutic insights.https://www.adta.org/adta-56-on-demand-presentations—-75—1-0-ces

International Webinar Co-Presentation:

Co-presented “Weaving Rata Yakuma” with Ashley Fargnoli in May 2022 as part of the ICAET Network webinar “Performance as Research, Research as Performance: An International Perspective.

https://www.iacaet.org/event/performance-as-research-performance-in-research-an-international-perspective/

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication:

Fargnoli, A., & Seneviratne, D. (2022). Exploring Rata Yakuma: Weaving Dance/Movement Therapy and a Sri Lankan Healing Ritual. Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (CAET), pp. 230–244.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358192571_Exploring_Rata_Yakuma_Weaving_DanceMovement_Therapy_and_a_Sri_Lankan_Healing_Ritual

Screen Dance Film:

Created a screen dance film based on movement explorations from the Rata Yakuma ritual, integrating traditional gestures with therapeutic improvisation. The film served as both a research artifact and a creative interpretation of the ritual’s healing potential.

https://vimeo.com/581258415/5d941344d