Abstract

Indian classical dance forms are among the world’s richest traditions of embodied storytelling, where gender is both performed and constructed through movement, costume, narrative, and social context. Historically shaped by religious texts, social hierarchies, and evolving cultural norms, these dance forms have served as both mirrors and agents of gender ideology in India. This research article examines the complex interplay between gender and performance in Indian classical dance, tracing its historical roots, analyzing the codification of gender in dance treatises, exploring the lived realities of male and female dancers, and investigating how contemporary performers negotiate, subvert, and reimagine gender identities on stage. Drawing on case studies of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, and other forms, as well as insights from performance studies, anthropology, and gender theory, the article demonstrates how Indian classical dance remains a dynamic site for both the reinforcement and transformation of gender roles in Indian society.