Akhila Rao will be presenting an evening of Indian classical dancing Exploring Bhakti Bhava in Bharatanatyam, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, represents the spiritual path of love and devotion towards the Divine. This Bharatanatyam dance recital will be a dance of the soul with the cosmos seeking unity with the divine consciousness. At the same time, it is also an exploration of one’s innermost feelings, emotions, and senses.
Akhila is a talented software developer with a deep passion for Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam. Growing up in a family of musicians and artists, she developed a natural inclination for music and dance, completing her Arangetram in 2011 under the guidance of Guru Vidwan Nagabhushan. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was honored with the Karnataka Kalashree and Kempegowda Award in 2017.
Over the past two decades, Akhila has performed on national and international stages, including in Bahrain, Thailand, and Singapore. She began teaching dance at the age of 16 and continued to do so after moving to the UK in 2019. In Bath, she became an integral part of the local cultural scene, performing at events like the Indian Dance Festival (2020), Bristol Harbour Festival (2022), and TedXBath (2023).
Akhila co-founded Nrityataranga, a platform supporting Indian dance and local artists in the UK, alongside her friend Hema Kariyappan. She also hosts a radio show, Ee Sanje, on Radio Bath, where she shares Indian regional music and culture. Balancing her career in software development with her love for dance and music, Akhila continues to make a meaningful impact in both the arts and tech communities.