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Umeshi Rajeendra is a Sri Lankan/Ilankai-born dance artist, choreographer, and educator, as well as the Founder and Artistic Director of Meshground, a dance company and movement arts platform in Sri Lanka. Since 2012, her original works have explored the body as a site of knowledge, activism, and healing, dedicated to fostering intersectional solidarity and social transformation through movement.
Beginning her dance training at the age of six, Umeshi has developed a profound understanding of movement across cultures. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance from the University of the Arts, USA, where she was a recipient of the President's Fund for Excellence, and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Economics from Denison University, USA.
Umeshi’s artistic journey has been deeply shaped by guidance from renowned international artists, including Dada Masilo, Jesse Zaritt, and Olivier Tarpaga, expanding her practice across America, Europe, and South Asia. She has participated in leading festivals such as the American Dance Festival and the Ubumuntu Arts Festival, and has received multiple artist residencies for her choreographic work and research.
Her movement practice is a vibrant tapestry, drawing from a broad range of cultural traditions and embodied knowledge systems. With a foundation in diverse dance forms, Umeshi’s work delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the intersections of territorialities, weaving personal and collective narratives through dynamic movement.
As the Artistic Director of Meshground, Umeshi has positioned the organisation at the forefront of contemporary dance in Sri Lanka, creating inclusive spaces for artistic exploration and critical dialogue. Meshground fosters a collaborative environment where artists and audiences engage with diverse cultural expressions, embracing global traditions while advocating for a more just and equitable future. Umeshi was also one of the youngest members of the Dance Panel for the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, further cementing her influence within the national cultural landscape.
Through her choreography and teaching, Umeshi challenges conventional narratives and encourages critical dialogue. Her work inspires collective action and envisions a more just and equitable society—one where the richness of cultural exchange is celebrated as a source of strength, creativity, and empowerment.
22.04.2025
