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The Arts Intel Report

Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in Art

“Beyond Bollywood” at the Asian Art Museum.

Apr 12 – July 10, 2023
200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Lord of the Dance and Dramatic Arts—that’s Shiva, also known as the divine cosmic dancer, also known (in Sanskrit) as Nataraja. Shiva dances gently or blissfully, and he is linked with creation as well as the destruction of lassitude. South and Southeast Asia are countries of dance, and the exhibition “Beyond Bollywood” presents portrayals of dance in art, showing works from the First century to the 21st. Dance as it pertains to religion, ethics, entertainment, ceremony, and simple delight is considered. Himalayan artifacts are also part of the show. —Laura Jacobs

Photo courtesy of the Asian Art Museum