Hema Ramaswamy, a resident of Middletown, New Jersey has Down syndrome, but that didn’t stop her from rigorously studying Indian classical dance and mythology for years, and giving a grueling solo performance before hundreds of friends and family members.

This loving portrait of Hema affirms the power of religious and cultural communities, and the ability of art to shape a young woman’s identity. 

Backstage before her arangetram, Hema receives encouragement from friends.

(Preston Merchant/Preston Merchant Photography)

Hema studied in preparation for four-and-a-half years.

(Preston Merchant/Preston Merchant Photography)

Hema is flanked by her sisters Uma Shankar and Geetha Radhakrishnan as she thanks the audience after her arangetram performance.

(Preston Merchant/Preston Merchant Photography)