July 29-August 1, Natya partnered with Mordine & Company, one of Chicago's best-known contemporary dance companies, to present Encountering the Other, which brought together Bharata Natyam and contemporary dance to explore the challenges of cross cultural communication. Performances of this innovative work were offered at the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Storefront Theater in downtown Chicago and drew a diverse audience. Encountering the Other drew on a history of collaboration between Natya artistic director, Hema Rajagopalan, and Mordine & Co. artistic director, Shirley Mordine. The first work created jointly by the two choreographers premiered at The Other Dance Festival, which showcases the work of leading Chicago dance companies every fall at the city's Hamlin Park Field House.