NATYA JOURNAL

Chhavi Verg

Bharatanatyam in the USA

“If you have it in your heart that you absolutely want to dance, then you must do it. Because otherwise, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and to everyone else around you. There’s nothing worse than someone living life unhappily. If you knew that dance was the one thing that was going to make you happy, then you absolutely have to do it.”

Chhavi Verg is a Bharatanatyam dancer and former Miss USA 2017 contestant, known for blending her Indian Classical Dance roots with her American pageant experience. Born in Kota, India, and raised in New Jersey, she was introduced to Bharatanatyam by her mother to stay connected to her culture. Despite initial reluctance, Chhavi’s passion grew as she trained for her Arangetram, which became a pivotal moment in her life.

Her dance journey culminated in a striking performance at the Miss USA 2017 pageant, where she showcased her classical dance in the introductory video, embracing her heritage. Now a student at Rutgers University and a certified personal trainer, Chhavi continues to inspire with her dedication to both her cultural roots and personal growth.