Bharatanatyam, the elegant, percussive, and joyous classical dance of the Indian subcontinent, has always had a strong following in SoCal's large Indian community. Over the years, it has also become a force in the mainstream dance landscape, thanks in large part to the efforts of the irrepressible choreographer Malathi Iyengar and her Rangoli Dance Company. A perennial nominee at the annual Lester Horton Awards honoring L.A.-based dance, Iyengar and her ensemble return with their latest, Paintings of the Divine . Iyengar has a knack for selecting themes and stories, usually involving Indian deities, that resonate with both those familiar with the tales and audiences venturing into the world of bharatanatyam for the first time. With the Oscar win for the film, Slum Dog Millionaire with its Bollywood finale, even non-dance audiences should be primed for this Rangoli concert with its polished dancers and live music. See videos of the company's dancing at www.rangoli.org and the live performance at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre.

Sun., June 28, 6 p.m., 2009

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