Devika Rao

🪔 About

Devika Rao is a passionate and talented Indian classical dance performer, choreographer, teacher, producer, and director of British-Indian origin, primarily based in Leeds, UK. With over two decades of experience, she has performed more than 1200 times globally, showcasing her versatility in various classical forms. She is the Artistic Director of Devika Rao Dance Theatre (DRDT), a UK-based company dedicated to presenting traditional Indian and South Asian dance and theatre works to wider communities. DRDT offers in-depth dance training, including a Bharatanatyam course that leads to an ISTD dance qualification. Rao's extensive performance repertoire includes Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Yakshagana, and she has also performed and choreographed in productions featuring Kathak and Odissi. She received her Kuchipudi training from Smt. Vyjayanthi Kashi of Shambhavi Nritya School, Bangalore. Her work has been supported by Arts Council grants, and she has achieved significant recognition, including being a lead performer for the Cultural Olympic 2012 project (MANDALA) and the Queen's Baton Relay in 2009 (INITIUM). Devika Rao was also invited to perform for the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Through her academy and various projects, she aims to engage communities with South Asian dance, empower youth, and promote health and well-being through educational activities, workshops, and performances.