all images copyright of Kali van der Merwe
Kali van der Merwe in collaboration with Valentina Leo
Women and snakes have been associated for a long time. Their intimacy is well documented in ancient cultures and became demonised by Christian myths. The snake is a primordial and powerful symbol for cosmic creativity and sexual energy, which women were worshipped for possessing. Here a woman learns to dance with a snake again. She struggles at first, fighting to control and pacify the writhing power of this primeval reptile. Later, she manages to find the synergy between her movements of her body and that of the snake. She unites male and female energies within and without into oneness of being. Her dance with the snake echoes the cycle of endless transformation of cosmic creation.
dance
Valentina Leo
camera
Kali van der Merwe
editing
Kali van der Merwe
soundscapes
Kali van der Merwe
snake charmer
Valentina Leo
special thanks to DAKARA the Burmese python
one-in-herself
running time: 8 min : 04 seconds