Vidushi Deepa Bhat is a Bangalore-based professional dancer with more than 20 years of experience that includes many prestigious stage shows, choreographing numerous dance dramas, theme based dance items, teaching at many schools and running her own institution Nrithyakuteera – tutoring more than 200 students from past 12 years. She was initiated into the world of classical dance at the age of eight. Her love for dance gradually changed to deep-rooted passion and serious pursuit. Learning the Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, from past 28 years, she had the privilege of being trained in her formative years by Guru Smt Vandya Srinath, finished her Vidwath under her guidance and later continued her advanced training under the able guidance of Guru Prof MR Krishnamurthy at Kalakshithi, Bangalore. Immediately after completing her studies, she started her dance career by doing her Rangapravesha in 2002 at ADA Rangamandira, Bangalore. Awards:   Recipient of Karnataka State scholarship for Bharathanatyam for three years from 1995 to 1997 Recipient of Govt of India Scholarship for Bharathanatyam – Senior during 2004 Awarded Dancer of the year 1992 by Ashoka Shishu Vihara, Bangalore Awarded Literary Champion for the year 1994-95 by National High School, Bangalore Prathibha Shree Award by Kannada Patrika Kala Sumskruthi Vedike, Bangalore Won first prize (gold medal) in Gopinatha Das Nyasa Dance Festival-2002 Won second prize in All India Level Dance and Music Competition conducted by Navya Nataka Samiti, Hyderabad during February 2002 Recipient of prestigious Aryabhata Award for Bharatanatyam, 2003 Awarded Ms Elegance in the Kreativ-2003 contest conducted by Carnatica, Chennai. Selected as Young Performing Artist for the year 2003 by Govt of Tamil Nadu