Megha Rao offers students a unique opportunity to explore Bharatanatyam, a 2000-year-old dance form that connects deeply to India’s cultural heritage and remains relevant today. This program highlights the discipline needed to master classical art and shows how various dance forms are interconnected through shared elements and expressions.

Students will learn to use footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell stories. By the end, they will perform a dance piece, understand Bharatanatyam's history, and identify its nine basic emotions.

Megha uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance the learning experience:

• Demonstration: Showing precise movements and techniques to help students visualize and replicate the dance form.
• Drill & Practice: Repetitive exercises to reinforce skills and ensure mastery of basic steps.
• Spaced Repetition: Revisiting concepts and techniques over time to enhance retention and understanding.
• Scaffolding & Storytelling: Building on prior knowledge and using narratives to make learning more engaging and relatable.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Incorporating cultural context and perspectives to make the lessons more meaningful and inclusive.

Support materials are provided, including detailed cultural documents, music, and instructional videos for continued learning.

With three decades of performing experience and over a decade dedicated to teaching and choreographing, I passionately share Bharatanatyam through both performance and instruction. Diversifying into American art forms like classical ballet, I aim to bridge the gap between the general public and this divine art by inspiring, educating, and encouraging budding talent. As the Artistic Director of the Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance in Bentonville, Arkansas, I train over a hundred students annually in Bharatanatyam.

Beyond running the academy, I collaborate with school districts and organizations to introduce Bharatanatyam to the broader community. I frequently partner with like-minded artists across various music and performing arts genres to create and perform work of art, expanding the art form's vocabulary while staying true to its roots. This collaborative process is vital for my personal and professional growth, allowing me to understand and learn from the creative processes of diverse art forms and artists. It enriches me as I interact with young minds and learn to connect with individuals unfamiliar with Bharatanatyam.

Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance was founded to nurture students, both young and old, in Northwest Arkansas who are interested in learning Bharatanatyam. My goal is to build a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam for my students while encouraging them to embrace and appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures and their art forms. I strongly believe that exposure is key to development and success, so I encourage students to attend workshops, performances by other artists, and participate in programs and competitions. This holistic approach ensures that our students not only excel in Bharatanatyam but also develop a broader appreciation for the arts, fostering a well-rounded and inclusive artistic community.

Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors for Downtown Bentonville Inc. Over the past decade, I have captivated audiences across the Central U.S. at multiple venues. I often collaborate with like-minded artists across different genres of music and performing arts, expanding the vocabulary while staying true to the art form. I have been appointed as an Ambassador of Goodwill by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, representing the spirit of an Arkansas traveler, and have been recognized in the esteemed Marquis Who's Who in America.