From Bharatnatyam to ballet, Era’s journey is a captivating story of passion and perseverance
In the quiet of her makeup room, Era, a ballerina, prepared for the performance of a lifetime. Calm yet introspective, she exuded the quiet confidence of someone who had weathered the storm and emerged stronger. As she picked up her graceful pointe shoes, smoothed the fabric of her shimmering dress, and applied a sharp line of eyeliner to define her gaze, every movement was a reminder of her unwavering dedication, struggle, and growth.
Era’s dance journey began with the disciplined art of Bharatanatyam. But after her HSC exams, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a sudden halt to her training, presenting a major challenge. Yet, Era turned this setback into an opportunity for reinvention. With resilience as her guide, she dove into the world of ballet through online tutorials, all while receiving constant support from her mother and older sister, who documented every step of her artistic evolution.
This period of transformation marked her rebirth as a dancer. What seemed like an obstacle became the catalyst for a new artistic direction. Era embraced the opportunity to evolve, diving into the world of ballet with a passion she hadn’t known before. This rebirth in her artistry culminated in a powerful photoshoot at the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the University of Dhaka. The theme: freedom. Clad in the vibrant colors of the Bangladeshi flag, Era’s ballet poses, infused with patriotic symbolism, caught the public’s attention and highlighted her creative fusion of art forms. It was a breakthrough moment that solidified her belief in the power of perseverance and the beauty of staying true to one’s artistic vision, no matter the obstacles.
On Valentine’s Day, Era will take center stage as the protagonist in the Sufi dance production Dilnawaz, presented by Shadhona – A Center for the Advancement of South Asian Culture. Based on Rahat Ara Begum’s Urdu tale, Dilnawaz explores the Sufi philosophy of divine love through seven stages: attraction, care, love, trust, devotion, desire, and total immersion in love. Era is filled with anticipation as she prepares to channel her transformative journey into the expressive storytelling of dance.
As she fastened her earrings, their butterfly wings glinting in the mirror, Era reflected on her past—the blistered feet, the long hours of practice, the moments of doubt and solitude. Every journey, she thought, begins in the quiet where dreams are born and battles are fought.
Era’s struggles were her cocoon, a necessary process of growth that allowed her to emerge stronger, more confident, and ready to take flight as the butterfly she was destined to be. When she stepped onto the stage, she was not just a dancer but a testament to the power of transformation and rebirth.
As the applause filled the room, Era shared a knowing smile with the lens of the visually stunning OPPO Reno13, encapsulating her journey in a single, fleeting moment.
The butterfly wings etched into the design of the OPPO Reno13 mirror Era’s personal evolution—her strength, confidence, and transformation. A symbol of adaptation and triumph, the OPPO Reno13 celebrates not just innovation, but the artistry and resilience that have defined Era’s story. The phone, like her, is a beautiful testament rebirth to the power of reinvention and the beauty that arises from overcoming challenges.