Gender Roles and Social Identity in Dance: The Journey of Men in Kathak

In the realm of classical dance, Kathak holds a unique place as one of India’s most expressive and storytelling dance forms. Historically, like many other ancient art traditions, Kathak too began as a male-dominated discipline. The very roots of dance in Indian mythology trace back to Lord Shiva — Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, symbolizing the rhythm of the universe. Later, Goddess Parvati introduced the graceful Lasya aspect, which added delicacy and emotion to the art, often associated with femininity.

Indian society, the responsibility of preserving traditions and professions—be it tailoring, priesthood, craftsmanship, or culinary arts—was generally borne by men. Similarly, the legacy of Kathak was originally passed down through male gurus and gharanas (schools). However, as Kathak entered royal courts, the scene began to change. The focus of performance gradually shifted from spiritual expression to aesthetic charm and entertainment, and women naturally became central figures. Their innate expressiveness and emotional depth made them ideal carriers of the art’s rasa (essence and sentiment).

In the modern context, both men and women pursue Kathak passionately, but the challenges differ.
While female dancers often face societal and familial limitations—such as marriage, domestic responsibilities, and professional demands—male dancers encounter a different struggle: social perception and acceptance. Men in classical dance must work harder to establish legitimacy in a field often viewed as more “feminine.” Yet, those who persevere, channeling strength and sensitivity together, carve a distinctive identity as powerful male performers.

From a learning perspective, young boys are usually fewer in number during the initial stages of dance training, whereas more girls join dance classes in childhood. But as life responsibilities grow, many women are forced to discontinue, while men—once committed—tend to continue with focus and consistency. This difference in perseverance, concentration, and dedication often defines success more than gender itself.

Ultimately, dance is an intimate art form, deeply personal to every artist. Each performer interprets emotion and rhythm uniquely. A true dancer is one who can paint pictures in the void, communicate with the audience without words, and awaken rasa through movement. Whether man or woman, the artist who can connect heart to heart through the language of rhythm and expression is the one who truly embodies the spirit of Kathak.

Reference:

https://ccrtindia.gov.in/classical-dances/

https://narthaki.com/