Getting ready before a dance performance can be chaotic and nerve wracking. My stomach would always be tied in knots with excitement and anticipation before a bharathanatyam recital. Breathing through the nerves wasn't my style. What helped was getting ready and doing my make-up before getting on stage. I loved each bit of make-up I put on my face. It felt like I was slipping into the skin of an Apsara, a nymph, who can come to regale everyone with her grace and skill. This painting is dedicated to that moment where chaos is all around you, you're about to perform in a few minutes, and you need to make sure your make-up is just right.