--- title: "Meet the Founder of Azaya Dance Academy in Bengaluru" description: "Get to know Deepthi, the founder of Azaya Dance Academy. Discover our unique belly dance classes, Tahitian dance training, and our mission to build a supportive dance community for women." canonical: https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/meet-the-founder last_updated: 2025-09-12 --- # Meet the founder behind Azaya Dance Academy Tribe Verified · 10+ years of professional belly dance experience By [Azaya](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy) · Online classes and studios in Jayanagar, Malleshwaram & Sahakar Nagar · ₹2,000 per month (8 hours) (estimate) Part of [Dance Classes](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/gallery) Get to know Deepthi, the heart and soul behind our movement, and the story of how she turned a decade of passion for dance into a safe space for women in Bengaluru. ## Photos and videos - !["There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them." I founded Azaya Dance Academy over 6 years ago to spread this happiness. It's been an incredible journey of teaching and sharing my passion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bd0e2f0-7fd1-4d1a-a55f-a1d8864d4bb7) - ![I believe in constantly learning and growing. I've been lucky to train with eminent international artists and acclaimed Tahitian dancers to bring the best and most authentic techniques to my students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6384864d-a04c-4b07-a533-f10545ee931e) - ![I've been a belly dancer for over 10 years and have been training others for 8 of those years. I was trained under Master Teacher Payal Gupta and have been pioneering the art ever since, with a mission to build a strong, supportive dance community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d098f22b-db74-44fe-9262-4ba341d78b98) - ![Welcome to Azaya Dance Academy, where we invite you to let your hips flow! Established in 2017, our mission is to engrave a love for belly dancing in the hearts of all women who wish to learn this beautiful art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/949af74c-5be9-4e7e-916e-70837465685a) ## About Meet The Founder I believe technique is vital, but your mindset matters more. That is why I started Azaya in 2017, focusing on small, supportive groups where you can master everything from basic shimmies to complex Tahitian flows without the pressure of being perfect. My journey started with over a decade of personal practice and rigorous training under Payal Gupta, but my real classroom has always been the studio floor with my students. After training with international masters like Sadie Marquardt, Aziza Mandi, and Sonia Ochoa, I realized that dance is more than just choreography. It is about building a squad that cheers you on while you learn, laugh, and find your own rhythm. My approach to teaching combines discipline with a 'no-judgment' vibe. Whether you are joining us for our in-person sessions in Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, or Sahakarnagar, or connecting with us online, the goal is always the same: to help you feel strong, coordinated, and unapologetically yourself. We are proud to be the first academy in Bengaluru to bring authentic Tahitian dance training to the city, alongside our core belly dance modules. From Raqs Sharqi foundations to the 'Chu Chu Shimmy Express,' we break down complex movements into fun, digestible steps. My mission is simple: to create a space where age, experience, and fitness levels do not define your ability to shine. Come join the fun, let your hips flow, and discover why so many women call this their happiest hour. ## About Azaya I am Deepthi, and I have spent the last decade turning my love for movement into a safe space for women to grow. We focus on building a community that cheers you on while you learn, laugh, and find your own rhythm. I would love to have you join our dance family. [See all of Azaya's services](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy) ## More from Dance Classes by Azaya - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/featured) - [Beginners Welcome: Your First Steps](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/beginners-welcome-your-first-steps) - [Core Belly Dance Techniques](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/core-belly-dance-techniques) - [Dancing with Props: Veils, Swords & Cymbals](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/dancing-with-props-veils-swords-cymbals) - [Our Dance Tribe: Community & Fun](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/our-dance-tribe-community-fun) - [Specialty Styles: Tahitian & Drum Solos](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/specialty-styles-tahitian-drum-solos) - [Student Progress & Achievements](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/student-progress-achievements) - [Performances & Showcases](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/performances-showcases) - [Online & In-Person Classes](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-classes/online-in-person-classes) ## More services by Azaya - [Belly Dance Workshops](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/belly-dance-workshops) - [Dance Performances for Events](https://mytribe.in/azaya-dance-academy/dance-performances-for-events) ## Similar work from other experts - [Meet the Tarantismo Instructors](https://mytribe.in/tarantismo.in/belly-dance-classes-training/meet-the-instructors) by Tarantismo Creative Dance Company · Belly Dance Classes & Training · Online classes; Studios in Bengaluru (New Tippasandra, Whitefield & more) & Delhi - [Artistic Belly Dance Classes at Nrityakosh](https://mytribe.in/nrityakosh/belly-dance-classes/featured) by Nrityakosh · Belly Dance Classes · Classes at 9 locations across Bengaluru & Online - [Meet the Team and Our Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/fluxoninsta/dance-classes/meet-the-team-our-philosophy) by Flux School of Arts · Dance Classes · At studio in Indiranagar, Bengaluru - [Start Your Own Women’s Fitness Studio](https://mytribe.in/_dancetofitness_/personalized-nutrition-diet-planning/become-a-dtf-entrepreneur) by Dance to Fitness · Personalized Nutrition & Diet Planning · Available online and at 10 studios across Noida, Indirapuram, and Greater Noida West - [Meet Our Instructors and Dance Community](https://mytribe.in/motleydancecompany/specialized-dance-workshops-bootcamps/meet-the-motley-crew-our-vibe) by Motley Dance Company · Specialized Dance Workshops & Bootcamps · Bootcamps hosted at studios in Bengaluru - [Our Community Voices and Student Journeys](https://mytribe.in/dhuriispace/live-performances-theatrical-productions/our-community-s-voice) by Dhurii · Live Performances & Theatrical Productions · Hosted at studios in Domlur, New Tippasandra and various venues across Bengaluru ## Book To book Azaya, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Deepthi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20founder%20profile%20on%20the%20site%20and%20would%20love%20to%20know%20more%20about%20joining%20the%20Azaya%20community.%20Can%20we%20chat%3F)