Deepa P Mani

🪔 About

Deepa P Mani is an accomplished Indian classical and contemporary dancer, and the founder and artistic director of Chandralaya School of Dance in Melbourne, Australia. With over thirty years of training and experience, she has garnered acclaim for her performances across India, the United States, and Australia. Deepa commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of six in Chennai, India, under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Srimathi Padmini Dorairajan. She is proficient in both the Pandanallur and Kalakshetra styles, earning the title “Nritya Kala Ranjini” upon her graduation in 1998. Deepa P Mani holds a Diploma in Abhinaya Darpana (Dance Theory) from the Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India and taught Bharatanatyam for several years in Chennai. In the early 2000s, she moved to the United States, where she performed extensively and diversified her artistry into contemporary dance, joining the Tehreema Mitha Dance Company (TMDC). In 2008, Deepa relocated to Melbourne, Australia, continuing her dance journey under the guidance of Dr. Chandrabhanu. She later produced her inaugural Melbourne solo show, “Daya,” under Jamudvipa Productions and Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy. Her dedication to dance is further exemplified by her collaboration with Sheena Chundee on "TOUCH," a unique Ballet-Bharatanatyam piece exploring cross-cultural artistic exchange. Awards & Honours: T.C. Parthasarathy award for best danseuse, Chandrabhanu Bharatalaya Academy Excellence Award.