Megha P Rao

🪔 About

Megha P. Rao is an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist with over two decades of experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bangalore University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Media Presentation from Loyola College, Chennai, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from St. Philomena's College, Mysore. Her foundational training in Bharatanatyam began at a young age under Guru Somashekar from Mysuru. She successfully completed her Bharatanatyam Junior Exam in 1998, Senior Exam in 2000, and Vidwat Exam (1st Class) in 2003, all through the Karnataka State Secondary Examination Board, India. Her formal solo debut, known as Rangapravesam or Arangetram, took place in 2002. As a Graded Doordarshan Artist, Megha has performed over 1000 dance performances across India and the USA, participating in nationally significant events such as Nrityotsav in Mumbai, India Fest in Little Rock, and the American Natya Festival in St. Louis. In 2011, she relocated to the USA and subsequently established the Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance in Bentonville, Arkansas, where she serves as Artistic Director. The academy trains over a hundred students annually in Bharatanatyam and organizes an annual student showcase called 'Pradarshana' since 2017. Megha has been appointed as an Ambassador of Good Will by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Her choreographic works include unique productions such as "Navarasa Margam," "The Exiled King," "Ardhanaree," "Baala-Tale of Kanha," and "TuLA-Balance of Life." She has also guided seven students through their Arangetram between 2018 and 2022. Awards & Honours: Natya Rani Shantala Award, Award of Excellence in Entertainment for Stage Performances (2015), Rajyothsava Prashasthi, Aryabhata Award (2006), Karnataka State IMA Cultural Award (2003), Ugadi Puraskar (2004), Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson's Ambassador of Good Will Commission, Karavali Samskruthika Sangha Mandya Honor (Vasantotsav) (2004), Shiv Sena Karnataka Mandya District Puruskrita Pratibhe (2001), Sri Ranjini Kalavedhike Mandya – Ugadi Puraskar (2003), Chaitanya Balaga (2006), Prathiba Sanje (2005), Akhila Karnataka Karavali Samskrithika Vokutta Kannada Bharati (2006), Mandya Zilla Brahmana Sabha (2002), First prize at 38th All India Competition in Music and Dance (2005).