Introduction:
A gradual change seems to be happening in Indian Classical Dances over the last few years. More men are taking to Indian Classical Dance. Dance forms like Kuchipudi strictly were for men since their origins and soon women took over the dance form and now constitute the majority.
Opportunities in general to classical dancers are few and many performers continue their passion without depending on their dance for livelihood. If you want to make a good career however, whether it is a male or female dancers, the going gets pretty tough.
Here we share the views of Bharatanatyam dancer Sri Ganesh Vasudeva who feels that the odds stacked against a male dancers are significant, and that relatively they are far more discouraging too.
Male Dancers in Indian Classical Dance
Sri Ganesh Vasudeva
Today, I came across this analogy: "It’s pretty damn hard to swim the English channel. But it’s a hell of a lot harder to swim the English channel while carrying a big rock. Sure, some people could probably do it, but is it any wonder that so many more make it across without the rock?".
This is how I feel about male dancers in the Indian classical world. Growing up, we are constantly dissuaded, ridiculed, often bullied, and in general discouraged from dancing while our female counterparts are actively encouraged and celebrated.
No wonder there are so few of us male dancers that stick to dancing. A male dancer who's dancing at the same level as a female dancer, would have had a very different (and tough/hard) journey to get where he is.
At the end of the day, we should be judged based on how we dance, but at the same time, don't forget the path we had to take for it.
********
Feedback is welcome. As I am publishing this article, I already came across another professional dancer who feels that these days, male or female, the very gender, doesn't really matter!
PriyaLasya, (C), Do Not Copy, Copyrights Acknowledged
