Grace Luttrell Nanavati received a B.A. in dance from Butler University. She was the owner and director of Dance Arts Studio from 1973-2017, and continues to teach there today.  She served as Artistic Director of the original Copper Coin Ballet Company, and was instrumental in founding Springfield Ballet Company where she served as Artistic Director from 1975 – 1997. Among her many awards are; YMCA’s Volunteer Service Award; Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Artist; and Illinois Women in Leadership’s Athena Award.