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CHICAGO, U.S.A., May 11, 2003: Cross-cultural exchange and understanding were graciously woven through “21 AD Asia” — a pared-down festival devoted to the evolution of traditional Chinese, Indian and Indonesian dance styles — which opened Friday night at Links Hall. More than a concert, “21 AD Asia” became an experience for audiences to absorb and meditate on. The five artists demonstrated a fluid blending of traditional ethnic dance forms with modern and classical vocabulary — resulting in a vivid cross-pollination. I Gusti Ngurah Kertayuda, a charismatic Indonesian dancer clad in ornate layers of red, green and gold sashes with hand-stitched embroidery and sequins, presented a formal Balinese solo. Called “Baris,” it is rooted in ceremonial marches transformed into a strong yet delicate dance concentrated in elaborate eye movements and the bell-like fluttering of fingers. Also more culturally specific were three pieces by the Chicago-based Kalapriya Dance, headed by Pranita Jain (who curated the festival with sensitivity to detail). The company specializes in the Bharata Natyam style of southern India. Three dancers opened with “Alaripu,” using a triangular formation to shape the space into a sacred universe of movement. Jain’s solo, the tranquil marriage of a Navajo poem to Indian dance, with the artist metaphorically drawing the elements of air and fire into her own being to express a oneness with the universe, emitted a welcoming serenity. In fact, facial expression is so central to Indian dance that the live poetry narration seemed to pour forth from Jain’s intensely outlined eyes. Hong Kong-born dancer-choreographer Ching Yin Lo teamed up with musician Carol Ng, who played a small harp-like pipa instrument, in “Battle Within.” Lo, slipping behind and around two shimmering gold curtains, reshaped ancient Chinese warrior dances with modern movement to suggest the less tangible nature of inner demons. The most visible fusion arose from Shanti Kumari Johnson, a classical ballet dancer, whose heritage encompasses Mexico and India. In “Dhyana,” Indian for meditation, she essentially journeys across the globe, Mexico’s Spanish and Indian legacy and India. “21 AD Asia” runs through Sunday at 7 p.m. at Links, 3435 Sheffield Ave. Phone: 773-281-0824.

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