Devika Rao, a learned Dance practitioner who studied the Bharatnatyam, Yakshgan Folk Theatre and Kuchupudi Dance Forms, seems to be a little more Indian even though being a resident of Leads City of U.K. Having being given herself under more than 23 Years training under the guidance of Prof. C.V. Chandrashekar and K. Chandrashekara Navada, Smt. Devika culminated in the Senior Grade Exam organised by the Karnataka Government, India and certified by ISTD in the U.K. under the guidance of Chitraleka Bolar for Bharatnatyam Dance Forms. Besides this, Smt. Rao has also has also received the training of 15 Years for Yakshagana Folk Theatre under the guidance of Gurus - Venkatramana Ital, Girish Navada & Kolur Ramachandra Rao and 7 Years tough training for Kuchipudi Dance form under the guidance of Guru - Vyjayanthi Kashi.

Memorizing the memorable moments of her initial training period in the Indian Classical Dance Forms, Smt. Rao says, “I am pretty lucky to have such a Mother in My life, who always stood by my side to encourage and support me to learn the Indian Classical Dance Forms. Although, in my childhood times, the girls were not given such freedom to go out of their homes and that too learn the Dance forms. But, My Mother and Father always landed a helping hand in taking me to the Dance Classes and helping Me in living up my aims and goals of the life.

I still remember the initial days of My training when I used to go to the Gurus to learn the Dance forms. I still remember that I used to get up at around 5 O’ Clock in the morning and run fast to reach the Dance Classes. And then started the period when I used to get an opportunity and that was the training session by my beloved Gurus”.

It’s known that Smt. Rao was the lead Indian Classical Dance Performer in the Cultural Olympic - 2012 - Project Mandal of England and has also given her soul soothing performances for the Queens Baton Relay - 2009 - Initium. Adding one more landmark in her career, Smt. Rao also performed as a Lead Performer in front of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in January - 2015.

Highlighting the future plans, Smt. Rao said, “Although I am living in the Leeds City of United Kingdom, but my heart and soul belongs to the Mother India only. All my deeds are performed while keeping my Country’s rapport and status and, of course, the respect in mind. In order to achieve My this goal, I have not only started the Classical Dance Training Classes in the various Cities of India; but, also in the different Countries around the globe. It gives Me an immense happiness to see that the kids of today’s times are more inclined and keen to learn the traditional Indian Dance Forms.

Showcasing the 2 Years rigorous efforts in training the kids in the field of Indian Classical Dances, Smt. Rao also organised a mesmerizing Show titled - “Ya Devi!” on 31st May - 2016 at India International Centre, Delhi. Sharing her experiences of the Show, Smt. Devika says, “This Show organized under the aegis of our Chitraa and Dhairya Foundation, was really a great success. The superb performances by the kids from all over the globe left the present audiences and the distinguished guests to be spellbound. We were very blessed with the kind and gracious presence of Arts & Culture Minister, Government of India, Shri Mahesh Sharma; who not only praised our kid’s performances; but, also helped in boosting-up the confidence levels of our participants”.

For Devika, not only the Dancing is a passion for life; but, she is also involved in several other projects for the upliftment and betterment of under-privileged children in India and abroad too. In this direction, Smt. Rao also conducted a Workshop on 3RD June - 2016 at Katyayani Balika Ashram at Jhandewalan area of the Capital, Delhi for helping the under-privileged girl children learning about their fundamental rights and duties towards their nation.

According to Smt. Rao, “This Orphanage had around 85 Girl Children ranging from the age of 5 Years to 15 Years”.

Well! It’s also evident that Smt. Rao has given a long stretch of more than 10 Years of her life as an Indian Classical Dancer and Theatre Artist in popularizing the traditional Indian Classical Dance Forms in the United Kingdom. Smt. Devika got a special place in everyone’s heart for herself by giving about 1,200 mesmerizing dance performances in a row. And, guess what, Smt. Rao was also rewarded with Arts Council Grants for her efforts in promoting and popularizing the India Classical Dance Forms globally.