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Gallery: 'Shilpanatanam,' dance at the Everson builds a bridge between past, present

Gallery: 'Shilpanatanam,' dance at the Everson builds a bridge between past, present

Close up photo of dancer with arms outstretched.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

The mysterious woman turns out to be none other than the god Vishnu in disguise, using his beautiful form to trick the demons, securing the nectar for the gods and skillfully distributing the poison to the demons.

Dancer standing on one foot with booth arms in a Y formation in an orange background.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Dancer Kaustavi Sarkar depicts a furious Shiva, who has opened his third eye and proceeds to incinerate Madana and the world around him.

Choreographer holds hands with the dancers.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Choreographer and dancer Maya Kulkarni (center), who created all the dances seen on stage, stands with dancers Mesma Belsare (left) and Kaustavi Sarkar (right). They all received a resounding applause and a standing ovation.

Dancer on the ground holding holding their leg to the sky.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Rati, in her heavy grief, cradles herself and thinks of Madana.

Dancer poses on one foot while the background gains a blue hue.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Taken from the Puranas, an ancient Hindu text filled with mythology and stories, dancer Mesma Belsare depicts the gods and demons churning the sea for holy nectar, and a mysterious, beautiful woman who appears amongst them in “Amrit Manthan.”

Dancer stands on one foot while pointed forward.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Jatayu remembers his mother as she taught him how to fly and hunt. Here, dancer Mesma Belsare depicts Jatayu's mother feeding the newborn king of birds.

The background fades to red while the dancer outstretches her arms.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Jatayu hears Sita being taken by Ravana. Upon seeing her plight, he pulls himself up to full height and flies to battle with the demon king. A vicious fight ensues, but ultimately, Jatayu is mortally wounded.

The dancer points to the sky in a pose.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

With one of his wings cut off after the battle with Ravana, Jayatu slowly fades away until Rama appears in his vision. Rama thanks Jatayu and lets him drink holy water from his cupped palms as he breathes his last breath.

Close up photo of a dancer's legs, wearing traditions garments.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Ankle bells, known as ghungroo, are an iconic part of a traditional Indian dancer's ensemble. They highlight the movements and footwork that are key to the art form.

A dancer poses on the floor with her hands reaching out.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Inspired by Indian poet Kalidasa's poem “Meghadūta,” dancer Kaustavi Sarkar portrays a mischievous and clever peacock who toys with a naive and boastful cloud. The bird challenges the cloud to find Lady Lightning, a dancer in the sky and ask her to become lovers despite her danger.

A dancer stands on one foot while posed playfully infront of a blue backgound.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

The peacock awakens and searches for something to amuse him, ultimately leading him to the boastful cloud.

A dancer stands poised in a sturdy position.

Surya Vaidy | Staff Photographer

Dancer Mesma Belsare takes the stance of the gods and demons churning the sea for holy nectar.