Deepa P Mani is a Naarm / Melbourne- based Performing & Teaching artist with over 30 years’ experience in both Classical Bharathanatyam & Contemporary styles. An accomplished performer, dance theatre producer and owner of Chandralaya School of Dance, she believes passionately in the power of traditional dance to connect people with their heritage, sense of self and inner creativity. Aside from being Artistic Director, Deepa is also a Teaching Artist at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Regional Arts Victoria & The Song Room. Born in Chennai, Deepa is a lifelong student of the ancient artform of Bharathanatyam. She has lived – and danced - in India, the United States and now Australia, forging community through her advocacy for dance as a pathway to wellbeing.