We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megha Rao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megha below.
Megha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I have extended my creative journey in choreography combining many Indian dance forms. Uniquely conceptualized and choreographed productions like NAVARASA MARGAM, THE EXILED KING, ARDHANAREE and BAALA-TALE OF KANHA. In recognition of my contribution to the performing arts in Northwest Arkansas, In 2021, I was awarded a grant by Artists 360, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, to support my Dance production – ‘Baala – tale of Kanha’ I recently collaborated with Trike Theatre and Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation to create an original adaptation of the well-known story, The Jungle Book mixed with theatrical storytelling and classical Indian dance.
I am currently working on my much anticipated production “TuLA – Balance of Life” which will be premiered on the 16th & 17th of March 2024 at Thedan School Performing Arts Center. This production dives into the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies in coexistence. It beautifully portrays the interdependence of these energies through the symbolic representation of Modern life, Ardhanareeswara, and Mahishasuramardini. This presentation underscores the importance of balance, unity, and love, while also emphasizing the pivotal role of harmonizing male and female energies in forging a unified world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist with nearly three decades of immersion in this revered Indian classical dance form. My journey encompasses roles as a performer, choreographer, and educator, and I hold a Masters degree in Dance from Bangalore University. I am a Graded Doordarshan Artist, a distinction akin to NPR in the US, I have been entrusted with the role of an Ambassador of Goodwill by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, embodying the spirit of an Arkansas traveler.
Having graced the stage in over a thousand performances, I’ve had the privilege of enchanting audiences across the Central U.S. at various distinguished venues. Now, I eagerly anticipate venturing beyond this region to explore new opportunities. Some recent highlights include captivating audiences at the 21st TANA Conference in St. Louis, NAVIKA in Cincinnati, OH, the 12th & 14th American Natya Festival in St. Louis, Sammilana 2023 in Houston, and Margazhi Nrityothsava 2023 in Chennai, India. Notable venues I’ve performed at include the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR.
I’ve broadened my creative scope by seamlessly integrating various Indian dance forms into my choreography. Noteworthy among my creations are productions like NAVARASA MARGAM, THE EXILED KING, ARDHANAREE, and BAALA-TALE OF KANHA. In recognition of my contributions to the performing arts in Northwest Arkansas, I received a grant from Artists 360, a program supported by Mid-America Arts Alliance, in support of my 2021 dance production, ‘Baala – Tale of Kanha.’
I’ve collaborated with Trike Theatre and Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, crafting a distinctive adaptation of the beloved tale, The Jungle Book, which blends theatrical storytelling with classical Indian dance. This year stands as a significant milestone as I reunite with Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation and Trike Theatre for the highly anticipated 2024 production, “TuLA – Balance of Life.”
As the Artistic Director of ‘Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance’ in Bentonville, Arkansas, I guide and nurture over a hundred students in the art of Bharatanatyam each year. My mission is to foster performance opportunities for these budding talents and expose them to a spectrum of learning experiences, including workshops, competitions, as well as artistic and commercial showcases. Through Bharatanatyam, students connect with their cultural heritage, fostering diversity within our community. I also guide senior disciples through their Arangetram. Over the past five years, I’ve spearheaded ‘Pradarshana,’ an annual Fall student showcase, empowering young talents to perform with confidence before wider audiences. Additionally, I collaborate with school districts and various organizations to bring Bharatanatyam to the broader community, endeavoring to bridge the gap between society and this classical art form by inspiring, educating, and guiding emerging talents.
I frequently engage in collaborative projects with like-minded artists spanning diverse genres of music and performing arts, broadening the expressive vocabulary while upholding the essence of the art form. Having achieved early recognition in Bharatanatyam, I garnered accolades in national and state competitions organized by government and private entities. Given my contributions to the field, I am honored to be a recurring invitee to perform at various events and venues both in India and the USA, and I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities I have been granted.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I find it challenging to stick to conventional 9-to-5 schedules. It might be hard for those who aren’t as creatively inclined to grasp why I’ve chosen a lifestyle that doesn’t adhere to the typical work hours. I consider myself a full-time homemaker, mother, performer, teacher, and choreographer all at once. More often than not, I’m choreographing while cooking, planning my lessons during warm-up sessions, and conceptualizing productions as I prepare for performances or simply engage in social activities. What I’m trying to convey is that creativity isn’t bound by time, day, or place. There are times when for months on end, the creative spark may not ignite.For creatives like me, the line between work and personal life is often blurred. Some might be puzzled by the passion that leads us to seamlessly integrate our creative pursuits into every facet of our lives. We frequently require moments of solitude and uninterrupted focus to nurture our projects. To those who thrive in more social or collaborative settings, this preference might seem puzzling, or even come across as aloof or detached. There have been countless occasions when I’ve spontaneously woken up in the middle of the night to choreograph. My work often relies on intuition and instinct as my guiding forces.
Creative individuals are in a perpetual state of growth and transformation. We find fulfillment and value in the creative process itself, regardless of the final result. We harbor a long-term vision for our projects. This might be a challenge for those less inclined towards creativity to grasp — the idea of consistently changing styles, mediums, or focuses, and the dedication we invest in something despite uncertain outcomes may not be immediately apparent to them.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Inherently, I am a solo performing artist. Bharatnatyam traditionally lends itself to solo performances, but in modern times, artists have successfully explored duets, trios, group acts, and productions. This art form has proven to be an effective means of communication with our audience.
Initially, I was trained exclusively as a solo performer, and I thoroughly enjoyed it until I came to the US. Years ago, when I arrived in NWA, opportunities for Bharatnatyam dancers were scarce. However, giving up was never an option for me, as dance is an integral part of my being. This marked the first time I had to shift gears from performing to teaching. Recognizing the need to kindle interest in the community and nurture the potential of young talents, I made it a priority to impart all that I knew to my students. I accompanied them to larger cities for performances, workshops, and events, providing them exposure to the wider world of art.
As my students grew and sought more experience in performing, I took on the role of a choreographer. I began crafting pieces and repertoires for both myself and my students, tailoring them to their individual abilities, talents, and capacities. To date, I’ve successfully guided seven students through the Arangetram—a 2-to-3-hour solo debut performance that demands 8 to 10 months of rigorous training.
With my students now capable of graduating and performing solo, I recognized the importance of exposing them to various facets of the art form. This led me to embark on the creation of full-fledged thematic productions like “The Exiled King,” “Baala-Tale of Kanha,” and “Ardhanaree.” Collaborating with Trike Theatre and Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, we crafted an original adaptation of the well-loved tale, “The Jungle Book,” infusing it with theatrical storytelling and classical Indian dance.
Currently, I’m fully immersed in the development of my 2024 production, “TuLA-Balance of Life.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meghaprao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghaprao_dance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megharaodancer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megha-rao-821b82236/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@makaks1
Image Credits
PC: 3R Productions PC: Ajeesh John