Dr. Hima Bindu Kanoj is a Kuchipudi dancer, teacher, and head of Muvva-Nritya Raaga Nigamam, with over 30 years of experience. She holds a Master's and Ph.D. in dance, deeply valuing the guidance of her legendary gurus and the unwavering support of her family. She was recently conferred with the Indian Excellence Award, a testament to her dedication and the respect she has garnered within the classical dance community.

Dr. Hima Bindu Kanoj is a distinguished classical dancer, teacher, and the head of Muvva-Nritya Raaga Nigamam, an esteemed institute based in Hyderabad.

With over 30 years of experience in the field of classical dance, she has specialised in Kuchipudi, a traditional dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Hima Bindu is not just a performer but also a researcher and trainer, contributing significantly to the preservation and propagation of this art form. Her work includes training future generations of dancers and continuing her research into the nuances of classical dance.

Dr. Kanoj values her achievements as meaningful experiences that have shaped her journey in dance. Among her notable accomplishments are her Master’s and PhD in dance, which mark significant milestones in her academic and artistic career. However, for Dr. Hima, achievements are more than titles or degrees—they are the moments where she made her gurus proud, such as during her presentations at conferences.

Adding to her list of honours, Dr. Hima was recently conferred with the Indian Excellence Award, a recognition she was nominated for by her colleagues. This award is a testament to her dedication and the respect she has garnered within the classical dance community.

Dr. Kanoj's journey in dance began at the tender age of seven when her mother enrolled her in Bharatanatyam classes under the guidance of her first guru, Mangla Gauri. Although she pursued Bharatanatyam for only seven months, her passion for dance was evident from the start. She later transitioned to learning under Krishnabharti Garu, where her dance journey truly blossomed.

As Dr. Hima continued to immerse herself in the art, dance became a source of immense joy and fulfilment for her. Realising her deep connection to dance, she made the decision to pursue it professionally. Dr. Hima Bindu completed her master's degree in performing arts from the University of Hyderabad, specialising in Kuchipudi dance. This academic training further solidified her expertise and dedication to the classical form.

Dr.Kanoj views dance as a divine art form, a path that demands devotion, discipline, dedication, and hard work. This belief has shaped her journey both as a dancer and a teacher. With the support of Prof. Anuradha and the blessings of her gurus, Dr. Hima completed her PhD on a topic related to the Vijayanagara period, exploring its rich literature, sculptures, and inscriptions. This research deepened her understanding of the cultural and historical context of the art she practices.

During her PhD, Dr. Hima had the privilege of learning under guru Deepika Reddy, who instilled in her the importance of discipline both on stage and off stage. Hima regards her guru not just as a mentor but as an elder sister who has supported her through life's ups and downs.

Inspired by her journey and the values she acquired from her teachers, Dr. Hima Bindu decided to establish her own dance institute, Muvva-Nritya Raaga Nigamam, where she has been teaching for the past 20 years. In addition to imparting dance skills, she strives to instil in her students the life lessons and values she learnt under the guidance of her own gurus, fostering not only dancers but well-rounded individuals.

Dr.Kanoj credits her choreography skills to her guru Badrinath Madabhushi, under whom she continues to take advanced classes. She expresses deep gratitude for the incredible journey she has experienced in the field of dance, attributing much of her success and growth to the guidance of her gurus. For Dr. Hima, the most fulfilling aspect of her dance career is the strong and meaningful relationships she shares with her teachers.

Dr. Hima feels truly blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from such legendary gurus, and she cherishes their influence in shaping her path. Along with her mentors, Dr. Hima acknowledges the unwavering support of her family members, including her mother, brother, husband, and daughter, who have always encouraged her to pursue her passion for dance. Their constant support, coupled with the wisdom and blessings of her teachers, has been the cornerstone of her happiness and success in her dance career.

One of her most cherished memories is her first dance production, based on a composition dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, where she invited all her gurus to attend. After the performance, her gurus not only embraced her but also expressed deep appreciation for her work, making it an unforgettable moment.

When speaking about her role models, Dr. Kanoj credits the people who have supported and encouraged her throughout her journey—her gurus, friends, and family members. She holds her family in high regard, having learnt the values of sacrifice and adaptability from them. These lessons have shaped her resilience and approach to life.

In challenging moments, Dr. Hima finds solace in dance, which acts as her outlet and source of relief. She also enjoys reading books and spending quality time with her family, cherishing the joyful moments they share. Her philosophy is to not dwell on stress or negativity and to "go with the flow," maintaining a balanced and positive outlook on life.

Dr. Kanoj's life mantra is simple yet profound: "Live and let live to the fullest." She believes deeply in the power of faith in God and the importance of hard work in achieving one's goals. For Dr. Hima, staying grounded in the present and connecting with those around her are keys to a fulfilling life.

Togetherness is central to her philosophy, as she cherishes the strong bond she shares with her team of dancers and students. Working and growing alongside them, she finds joy in every moment, believing that success and happiness are best experienced when shared.