Bharathanatyam Classical Indian dance at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

A new state-of-the-art destination at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is called Asian Highlands and is home to Amur and snow leopards, red panda and a new species to the Zoo, takin. The new destination includes significantly larger and more complex habitats for the animals. Asian Highlands will also feature several glass viewing areas where guests can get nose to nose with some of their favorite animals. The architecture of the structure is designed with elements representative of central China, the region these species are native to.

To celebrate the grand opening of the new Asian Highlands destination there were several Asian performances including a Bharatanatyam dance from Tamil Nadu in southern India by 7th grader Deepa Raman.

Performing in front of a bear habitat, Deepa began by balancing and dancing on a mudpot and then told the story of the 10 avatars of Vishnu and three animals - deer, peacock and snake - in her dance.

See more photos and video of the Bharatanatyam dance