Navarasa Margam performed by Megha P. Rao

Here is a critique by Kshithi Venkatesh, another dancer.

The Bharatanatyam concert organized by Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation was something I had been waiting for. Hailing from Bangalore, which is one of the cultural capitals for classical music and dance, I was accustomed to watching at least a couple of concerts each month. After moving to Bentonville, I had not watched a full Margam for over a year and my mind was absolutely craving for one. I have known Megha P. Rao, the performer, for a couple of years and was excited that she was going to perform a full margam showcasing the navarasas – the nine principal emotions shown through dance - Shringaram (romance), Haasyam (comedy), Raudram (anger), Kaarunyam (compassion), Bheebhatsam (disgust), Bhayaanakam (fear), Veeram (valor), Adbhutam (wonder) and Shaantham (peace)
I reached the venue a few minutes before the starting of the concert. When I entered the hall of the concert, I was disappointed to see hardly 10 people in the audience which was quite a contrast to what I was used to seeing back home. The theater was cozy, creating the right atmosphere for a dance performance. Megha opened the Margam with a Navarasa Swaraguccha, a compilation of Soundarya Lahari shlokas. The choice of the opening piece was very apt and Megha presented the item with a good blend of intricate Abhinaya and simple Nritta.

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