Dancer-choreographer Lionel Popkin is the son of a Jewish father and Hindu mother. In his 50-minute dance piece “There Is an Elephant in This Dance,” he makes use of his connection to Ganesh, the elephant god known as the Remover of Obstacles, to explore themes that include religious iconography and multiple identities. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
Lionel Popkin harnesses the power of movement -- a slow turn of the head, a jaunty kick, a rah-rah step -- to fuel his fantastical imagery. “Elephant” is being performed at REDCAT through Sunday. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
Lionel Popkin hoists Carolyn Hall during this section of the dance work. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
Carolyn Hall and Lionel Popkin perform a segment of “There Is an Elephant in This Dance.” (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
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Percussionist Hearn Gadbois and cellist Robert Een provide accompaniment. Een wrote the dreamlike score. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
Lionel Popkin dons part of an elephant costume. For information about “There Is an Elephant in This Dance,” go to www.redcat.org. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)
