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Stunning Underwater Photography

I was blown away by these beautiful pictures by photographer Howard Schatz. Dance photography in itself can be quite stunning but to shoot underwater gives it this surreal, dream-like quality.

World's Largest 3D Painting

Street artist '3D Joe & Max’ turned part of London’s Canary Wharf quayside into the longest and largest 3D artwork. Reebok collaborated with Crossfit to develop this.

It is just so super cool that I had to post it.

Picture Courtesy: designtaxi.com

"Crazy Horse" documentary by Frederick Wiseman

I have had the opportunity to watch the Las Vegas version of Paris's famous revue, "Crazy Horse" at the MGM Grand.
I feel that the artistic elements complement and almost override the erotic aspects of the performance. I remember a friend saying that "after a point you don't even realize that they are nude!" The dancers are technically skilled (and of course gorgeous!), the lighting is hauntingly beautiful and each act is conceptualized in a unique way.

This movie, titled "Crazy Horse," has been directed and edited by  Frederick Wiseman and was released in New York today.  It takes a look behind the velvet curtains of "Le Crazy Horse de Paris." In an interview discussing the documentary, Wiseman talks about his interest in the comedy and tragedy in ordinary experience that have not been tapped in documentary terms. He is basically interested in the institutional context of "Crazy Horse," (he speaks about exploring behaviors defined within the boundaries of specific institutions). This is not a voyeuristic journey into the lives of the dancers.

Frederick Weisman says he is limited by the facts since it is a documentary but nevertheless, I think that it will be an interesting film to watch.

The Art of Maya Rao

"Khol Do"

"Deep Fried Jam"

Every time I watch Maya Rao perform, I am mesmerized. I am yet to see an artist embody a character or a concept so completely, exhibit intellectual and emotional nuances so exquisitely through her physicality. Whether it be her minimalistic work, "Khol Do," (one of her earliest works) or her highly intricate multimedia work, "Heads are Meant for Walking into," or my personal favorite, "Deep Fried Jam," her works are unforgettable. They always leave a strong impression. They are intensely exciting, a breathtaking journey through an emotional and conceptual landscape. Maya Rao is like a furious storm on stage.

Her latest work "Ravanama" will be presented at the NSD Festival in New Delhi on Tuesday, Jan 17 at 8:30pm at Abhimanch. On the festival website the description is as follows:

"Ravanama"

"The performance revolves around Ravana – a mythological character in the grand scale. He has ten heads that jostle together, vying with each other. He has as many boons as curses from the gods and so, is often not aware of the consequences of his actions – good or bad. Ravana is the scholar, the musician, the lover of beauty, the supreme warrior and the unparalleled disciple of Shiva. He is single-minded whether it is to do with getting Sita for himself or winning impossible boons from the gods.
Several versions exist about his relationship with Sita. . On stage we see a contemporary actor preparing a show – every time she dips into the ‘world’ of Kathakali she comes out with a further revelation of Ravana…. "

"Ravanama"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am bitterly disappointed that I won't be in India for this performance. For those of you who are lucky enough to be in New Delhi, I would highly recommend this show. I really know nothing about it, but I know that watching Maya Rao perform is an experience you are not likely to forget!








Photos Courtesy: http://mayakrishnarao.blogspot.com

Meidhwani in Delhi

I am kind of bummed out that I am leaving Delhi just as the National School of Drama's theater festival began. I am particularly disappointed that I will be missing Meidhwani, devised by members of the Attakalari repertory. It will be performed on Jan 13, at 8:30pm in Abhimanch. Even though I will be missing it, I wanted to encourage other dance and theater lovers to watch it. I have heard some great things about it. Also, one of the dancers Diya Naidu was a friend in college and a beautiful dancer. I am sure she has blossomed into a tremendous performer now!

Photo Courtesy: http://www.attakkalari.org

Shakti Mohan's Dance Calendar 2012

I love dance calendars. Turning the page every month to find a new embodiment of grace, movement, energy and momentum. In the past I have bought Lois Greenfield's calendar. This year as I was looking around I saw that Dance India Dance Season 2 Winner Shakti Mohan has launched her calendar Nritya Shakti, shot by fashion photographer Pravin Talan.

I think Shakti is a fabulous dancer and she is gorgeous! I think I may have a slight crush on her!

This is her favorite picture from the calendar:

I love the blending of the Classical and the Contemporary in this picture. The traditional accessories are juxtaposed with the very sculptural Contemporary Dance pose. She is graceful and fierce at the same time.

Some of my favorite pictures are:

The red color looks like she is draped in fire. At the same time there is a beautiful softness in her arms

This last one is really edgy. Her expression is fierce and self-assured as she is effortlessly poised  on her toes. The definition of her muscles and the way she is lit make this picture really exciting.

There are so many other amazing pictures in her calendar and her character and body language change with each picture. Though most of the pictures display her immense power, there also those which show a sense of vulnerability.
The combination of her inherent power and sensuality and the conceptualization of the ideas behind each picture, render them into works of art.