Leela Foundation is excited to bring Dancing the Divine Blues, a performance by Meera Sreenarayanan, to the Triangle area Sunday, September 15, 2024!
Dancing the Divine Blues
Sunday September 15, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Seating begins at 3:00 PM
Have you ever wondered why some of the most revered deities in Indian scriptures are depicted with blue skin? What mysteries lie hidden within these azure shades?
"Dancing the Divine Blues" invites you on a journey into the profound symbolism of blue, a color that represents the infinite and the unfathomable. Just as the ocean and sky stretch beyond the limits of perception, so too does the divine take on these celestial hues. But what does it mean to embody a blue God through dance? How does one capture the essence of those who radiate this sacred aura?
This solo Bharatanatyam performance weaves together jewels from the traditional repertoire to bring the blue-hued deities of Indian itihasas (histories) and scriptures to life. Through the portrayal of Rama, the noble prince of Ayodhya; Krishna, the divine cowherd and playful lover; Kali, the fierce goddess of time and transformation; and Shiva, the blue-throated lord of dance, this performance transcends mere storytelling. It delves deep into the essence of these divine figures, exploring the interplay between their celestial nature and our human experience.
As the dancer steps onto the stage, they become a living embodiment of the divine, akin to the sacred flame in the ritual of aarti. This performance breathes new life into depiction of ancient, yet cosmic deities, offering a unique interpretation that bridges the divine and the human.
Meet the Artist
“Ever so rarely, a person is born, whose purpose in life seems to be predestined. Meera Sreenarayanan is one such being who is born to dance.” (Narthaki.com)
Meera Sreenarayanan, lauded as a "sensitive dancer" for her nuanced expressions and technical excellence, hails from Guruvayur, Kerala. Her dance journey began at age four under Prakash Choondal and later advanced under R.L.V. Anand. To deepen her craft, her family relocated to Chennai, where she trained with Kalakshetra’s Nirmala Nagaraj. Now, she continues her advanced training with Indira Kadambi and explores Navarasa Sadhana with G. Venu.
A postgraduate in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras and a diploma holder in Nritya Shastra from Nalanda Dance Research Centre, Meera has performed on over 75 stages globally, earning accolades like the Guru Smt. Poonamtai Murdeshwar Smruti Puraskar (2023) and Best Performer at Madras Music Academy (2019).
Founder of "Tatdhii Arts and Learning," Meera is committed to making the arts more accessible, blending science and art to inspire younger generations. She is also an endorsed artist of SPICMACAY. For a glimpse of her artistry, watch her performance at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.
Connect with Meera
Cary Arts Center is wheelchair accessible and can be easily reached by public transportation Leela Foundation strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact our team at info@leela-foundation.org.
This event is partly funded by the Project Support Grant from NC Arts Council, Mission Support Grant from United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, and Cultural Arts Non-Profit Grants Program from the Town of Cary.