Sunaina Rao

🪔 About

Sunaina Rao is a prominent Kathak performer, educator, and mentor, born in Mumbai, India, and raised in Texas, USA. She began her Kathak training at the age of six under the tutelage of her mother and guru, Smt. Akhila Rao, a disciple of Kathak stalwarts Late Gurus Sri Ganesh Hiralal Hasal and Smt. Asha Joglekar. Rao has dedicated over 25 years to the art form, further enhancing her skills through advanced training with Pandita Shama Bhate from 2020 to 2023. She has also participated in workshops led by renowned Kathak maestros such as Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj, Padma Bhushan Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, Guru Maya Rao, and Aditi Mangaldas, as well as Bharatanatyam danceuse Smt. Priyadarsini Govind. Academically, Sunaina Rao completed her Alankaar Purna with a 'First Class' from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai. In 2016, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kathak from Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music and Dance, New Jersey, and is currently pursuing a Master's program. In 2011, Sunaina Rao co-founded Kathak Rhythms with her mother, Akhila Rao, establishing it as a premier Kathak school and performing company in Texas. The academy has multiple locations in Plano, Coppell, and Southlake, where Rao teaches over 50 students at the Grapevine-Southlake branch. She is also a registered teacher and examiner with Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. Rao's contributions to Kathak have been recognized with several accolades, including the "Singaar Mani" (Jewel of Dance) by the Sur Singaar Samsad (Mumbai) in 2010 and the "Natya Pravina" by Yuva Bharati. In 2016, she was honored with the title of "Nritya Gandharva" (Exceptionally Versed in Dance) by Madhyam. As a performer, Sunaina Rao is the Lead Female artist for Renu Forum for the Arts North America's dance-ballets 'Meet Me on the Meadow' and 'El-Dorado', the latter of which premiered in North America in 2025. She regularly conducts lecture-demonstrations and master classes at universities across Texas, including Texas Woman's University, Texas Christian University, and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, sharing her expertise and passion for Kathak. Awards & Honours: Singaar Mani (2010), Natya Pravina, Nritya Gandharva (2016).