Dhanya Vani Rao

🪔 About

Dhanya Vani Rao, also known as Dhanya K Rao or simply Vani, is a prominent Bharatanatyam figure primarily based in Michigan, USA. Her journey in dance commenced in 1986, with initial training under Vidvan K. Kannan. She further honed her skills under the tutelage of Dr. K. Kumar, a Professor at the Music and Dance College, Mysore University, India. In March 2004, Dhanya Vani Rao founded the Abhinaya School of Dance (ASD) in Michigan, dedicating it to imparting training exclusively in Bharatanatyam. The school began with four students and has since grown significantly, now boasting over 130 students. Abhinaya School of Dance is recognized as Michigan's premier Bharatanatyam institution and is a certified center for providing Certificate, Diploma, Associate, and BA Degrees in Bharatanatyam. The institution is affiliated with the Alagappa Performing Arts Academy, a sister concern of Alagappa University in Chennai, India. Students of ASD have performed at various events, including the Novi International Festival, Farmington Hills Heritage Festival, Troy Daze Fall Fest, and the Nritya Aradhana at the Bharatiya Temple of Troy. The school has class locations in Troy, MI, and Novi, MI.