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.SUMMARY00:58 Meet Rangi Fernando: A Journey of Dance and Movement02:23 The Challenges of Transitioning Cultures05:52 Understanding Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)09:44 The Art and Science of Movement Therapy13:35 Rangi's Personal Journey: From Accounting to Dance18:16 The Birth of Sync and Move21:42 Practical Tips for Enhancing Wellbeing Through Movement23:19 Practicing Stillness and Sensory Awareness24:18 Tapping into the Nervous System24:44 The Power of Posture and Confidence26:43 Journey to Germany for Dance Movement Therapy30:00 Spotlight: Empowering Women Through Performance38:58 Future Plans and Community Engagement43:28 Cultural Identity and Global Representation46:37 Final ThoughtsAbout Rangi FernandoRangi 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 Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting PotHost: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahousePodcast Themes:Modern Sri Lankan identity and cultureArchitecture, art, and designSustainability and heritageDiaspora experiences and storytellingWhy Listen:This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.