Instructions for representing mortal and celestial women are likewise specific. A woman should never be taller than her partner's shoulder. Her waist should be two units smaller than the man's and her hips two units larger than that, thereby emphasizing her female reproductive features.
In India there has always been a close relationship between dance and visual arts. Gods and shaktis are often depicted dancing (Shiva Nataraja). Even when standing, figures strike a graceful poses such as Shiva standing in a thrice bent position called tribhanga. The hand gestures represented in sculptures and paintings mirror those used by dancers to communicate ideas and emotions.