Akhila Rao has been in the field of Kathak for over 30 years. She began her training in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Shri. Ganesh Hiralal. After performing her Rang Pravesh in 1978, she won the title of "Singar Mani" awarded by the prestigious Sur Singar Samsad at the Kal Ke Kalakaar Festival in 1981. She also received the "Menaka Trophy" for Kathak at the University of Bombay Youth Festival in 1981. She continued her training in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Smt. Asha Joglekar and specialized in teaching the finer aspects of the art form.

Akhila has performed all over India at prestigious venues as well as in the US. She has been teaching Kathak to students of all ages in India and in the US to meet the certification standards of a recognized academy of Indian Classical Dance and Music. She serves as an examiner for Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music and Dance, New Jersey, and is the Texas region co-ordinator for the institute. Additionally, she is an advisory board member of the Indian Classical Music Circle of DFW.

She has trained over 100 students, including many who have reached the Visharad level as well as completed their Rang Manch Pravesh. Akhila's senior students have performed at prestigious shows and venues receiving acclaim and recognition in events such as Kal-Ke-Kalakaar, Lotus World Festival etc. Her students fondly call her Mrs. Akhila, aunty, didi, or tai.