When it comes to learning classical dance in Indian society, it has always been given priority to girls or women. The stigma thrown to this performing art restricted males from performing the art and at the same time less public view is given to the male dancers. A few had succeed and breakthrough the humiliation but many are trapped by the Orthodox.

When i first told my parents that i would like to learn our cultural dance, barathanatyam, their reaction towards me rather disappointing and disgusted. I explained to them that it is a form of dance and it is our responsibility to restore its glory. But again their response was conventional.

Their fear was male who dance would slowly will lose their masculinity, which is totally wrong. I suppose the dance itself originated from Lord Shiva himself. Do we categorize Him as feminine lord?? The dance itself is an art, and the dancers are the tool to convey the art to the audience, So such trauma in getting our boys into dancing should be eradicated. The more we fear the more we lose the identity of Bharathanatyam.

Still there are pinpoints referring certain males who actually became transgenders. Yes they are, but it is a personal choice. We can't stop somebody from living their life. Getting tattoo or piercings into your body not gonna stop you from living an ordinary life? We are still humans and a good creation of God. So why there are hatred and misunderstandings among us? What is meant by masculinity- Murdering?Raping? Exploiting? No! I would rather say those who dare to change their gender more masculine compared to those drug addicts or smugglers.

Dancers are those who portrays the inner meanings of the dance. The dance itself is a story telling. The lhaya, bhava should be well coordinated when one dance, the footwork should be synchronized with hand movements. All this is done within a form of dance- that is barathanatyam. My hope, everyone should be treated equally and there shouldnt be any discrimination of gender in performing such dance. Again dance is an art, the dancers are the medium of message. 

Let your smile change the world, not the world change your smile.