Bharatanatyam is more than just a dance—it is a spiritual discipline, an expressive art form, and a storytelling medium that transcends boundaries, including gender. Rooted in temple traditions, Bharatanatyam has historically been performed by both men and women, evolving into a global art form that today sees participation from non-binary, transgender, and gender-fluid dancers as well.
Despite this, gender biases continue to exist, leading to stereotypes and challenges for dancers who do not conform to traditional expectations. However, times are changing. Renowned dance institutions, performers, and cultural festivals are actively embracing gender inclusivity, making Bharatanatyam accessible to all.
With 23+ years of experience, Kalashree Gayatri Deka has witnessed and supported the evolution of Bharatanatyam as an inclusive space, working with students from various gender identities and advocating for the art beyond traditional gender norms. This blog explores the history, challenges, triumphs, and future of gender inclusivity in Bharatanatyam.
Bharatanatyam and Gender Fluidity: A Historical Perspective
The Role of Men and Women in Traditional Bharatanatyam
Historically, Bharatanatyam was performed in temples as a spiritual offering to deities, primarily by Devadasis (women dedicated to temple service). However, male dancers, known as Nattuvanars, played an integral role as gurus, choreographers, and performers.
- Male dancers were responsible for preserving Bharatanatyam’s complex rhythm structures and training generations of students.
- Bharatanatyam was never exclusive to one gender but instead focused on devotion, storytelling, and disciplined artistry.
Gender Representation in Bharatanatyam Mythology
Bharatanatyam’s themes often reflect the fluidity of gender through divine figures:
- Shiva as Ardhanarishvara – A half-male, half-female deity symbolizing the balance of masculine and feminine energies.
- Krishna’s Leelas – Krishna is often depicted as embodying both strength and tenderness, transcending rigid gender norms.
- Mohini Avatar of Vishnu – The mythological transformation of Vishnu into Mohini challenges binary definitions of gender.
These examples highlight how Bharatanatyam has always incorporated gender fluidity in its narratives, making it a natural space for inclusivity.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Bharatanatyam
Why Bharatanatyam is Not Restricted to Any One Gender
The perception that Bharatanatyam is a feminine dance form is a modern construct, not a historical reality.
- Male dancers like Padma Shri C.V. Chandrasekhar, Navtej Johar, and Justin McCarthy have redefined Bharatanatyam on global stages.
- Many non-binary and transgender dancers are actively participating in classical dance festivals, creating a more inclusive Bharatanatyam space.
- Dance institutions are actively encouraging participation from individuals beyond the gender binary, ensuring inclusivity in performances and training.
Addressing Misconceptions About Bharatanatyam and Gender
- Myth: Bharatanatyam is only suited for women.
- Reality: Bharatanatyam focuses on strength, expression, and storytelling, making it accessible to all dancers, regardless of gender.
- Myth: Bharatanatyam movements are too delicate for men.
- Reality: Bharatanatyam incorporates both graceful (Lasya) and powerful (Tandava) movements, requiring equal strength and flexibility from all dancers.
- Myth: Non-binary and transgender dancers do not fit into Bharatanatyam’s traditional roles.
- Reality: Bharatanatyam is an art of expression and transformation, allowing dancers to take on multiple roles beyond gender binaries.
Gender Identity and Bharatanatyam’s Universal Appeal
How Bharatanatyam Allows Self-Expression Beyond Traditional Gender Roles
Bharatanatyam is deeply personal—it allows each dancer to tell their own story through movement, rhythm, and emotion. This makes it a powerful medium for:
- Transgender and non-binary dancers to express their identities.
- Men to embrace expressive storytelling without societal judgment.
- Women to explore strength and power in traditional and contemporary themes.
The Connection Between Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Dance
- Gender Identity: How an individual personally experiences their gender.
- Gender Expression: How they present their gender through actions, clothing, and performance.
- Dance: An art form where both identity and expression merge seamlessly.
Bharatanatyam, with its emphasis on storytelling and transformation, allows dancers to embody various characters and emotions, regardless of their gender identity.
Challenges and Triumphs of Non-Binary and Transgender Bharatanatyam Dancers
1. Societal Perceptions and Struggles
Despite its inclusive roots, Bharatanatyam dancers beyond the traditional gender binary still face challenges:
- Limited opportunities in mainstream classical dance festivals.
- Bias in traditional dance circles discouraging non-cisgender participants.
- Lack of visibility and role models in classical dance institutions.
2. Representation of Gender-Diverse Dancers in Bharatanatyam
However, many dancers have successfully challenged and redefined these norms:
- Kamaladevi Aravindan, a transgender Bharatanatyam dancer, has received widespread recognition for her performances.
- Non-binary Bharatanatyam artists have started using digital platforms like YouTube and Instagram to showcase their artistry and gain visibility.
- Cultural festivals like Shivaarghya (organized by Ganesa Natyalaya in Delhi) celebrate the contributions of male Bharatanatyam dancers, promoting greater inclusivity.
Bharatanatyam as a Spiritual and Artistic Expression for All Genders
How Bharatanatyam Connects Dancers Beyond Gender
Bharatanatyam is more than movement—it is an internal experience of devotion, discipline, and energy flow.
- The Shiva-Shakti Balance: Every Bharatanatyam performance embodies both masculine (Tandava) and feminine (Lasya) qualities, making it inherently gender-neutral.
- The Role of Bhakti (Devotion): Bharatanatyam is performed as an offering, transcending personal identity and ego.
How Bharatanatyam Institutions Can Support Inclusivity
- Encouraging gender-diverse participation in classes and performances.
- Removing traditional gender-based role assignments in dance pieces.
- Providing scholarships and safe learning spaces for non-binary and transgender dancers.
FAQs on Bharatanatyam Beyond Gender
- Has Bharatanatyam always been inclusive of different genders?
- Yes, historically Bharatanatyam was performed by both male and female dancers, with a strong presence of male gurus and performers.
- Can non-binary and transgender individuals learn Bharatanatyam?
- Absolutely! Many non-binary and transgender dancers are actively performing and teaching Bharatanatyam today.
- Are there specific Bharatanatyam performances that celebrate gender inclusivity?
- Yes, Shivaarghya by Ganesa Natyalaya highlights male dancers, and independent productions now showcase gender-fluid performances.
- How does Bharatanatyam challenge gender stereotypes?
- By allowing dancers to embody various characters, Bharatanatyam eliminates gender restrictions and focuses on artistic expression.
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