India, a country where dance is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, still struggles to accept it as a serious career choice. It is ironic that in a land where classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi originated, and where Bollywood songs are considered incomplete without dance, choosing dance as a profession is still frowned upon by society. If a child aspires to become a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or IAS officer, they receive complete support from their family and society. However, the moment someone expresses a desire to pursue dance as a career, they face criticism, insecurity, and discouragement.

The Stigma Around Dance as a Profession

One of the biggest reasons dance is looked down upon in India is the deeply ingrained notion that it is not a “respectable” profession. Many people see dance as something that is only meant for entertainment or as a hobby for children, not as a serious job. Even though dance requires years of training, discipline, and dedication, it is rarely given the same respect as academic or technical fields.

For many families, especially in conservative households, dance is not even considered a suitable activity for children beyond a certain age, let alone a career. Girls who pursue dance are often told to treat it as a hobby until marriage, after which they are expected to give it up. For boys, the stigma is even worse—those who dance are often ridiculed, called feminine, or told that they are wasting their time. The idea that dance is not “manly” enough discourages many talented male dancers from continuing their passion.

Lack of Financial and Social Security in Dance

Another major reason why dance is looked down upon is the perception that it does not provide financial stability. Most parents worry that dance does not offer a secure job or a steady income. Unlike professions like medicine, engineering, or business, which have clear career paths, dance is often seen as an unpredictable field with limited opportunities.

This mindset is reinforced by the fact that the government and society do not provide adequate financial or institutional support to dancers. There are very few scholarships, grants, or stable job opportunities for professional dancers. While some dancers do achieve fame and success, many struggle to find well-paying opportunities.

Additionally, there is no clear infrastructure to support dancers in India the way there is for athletes. Sports like cricket, badminton, and wrestling have government-backed training programs, funding, and career prospects. However, professional dancers often have to rely on personal networks, social media, or the entertainment industry to sustain themselves.

Bollywood’s Influence and the Perception of Dance

Bollywood plays a double-edged role in how dance is perceived in India. On one hand, it has popularized dance and brought it to the mainstream. On the other, it has also contributed to the idea that dance is merely for entertainment. Bollywood dance is often associated with glamour and commercial appeal, while classical and contemporary dance forms are sidelined.

Many people see dance as something limited to item numbers, reality TV shows, or wedding performances. As a result, those who want to pursue dance seriously—whether in the classical, contemporary, or experimental space—are often not taken seriously. If someone tells their family they want to be a dancer, the first response is usually, “Will you dance in Bollywood movies?” rather than recognizing the many other possibilities within the field.

The Need for Change

Speaking about the same Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademy said, “At an organisational level, we strive to encourage and inspire the next generation by providing opportunities through performances, workshops, and the showcasing of artistic excellence. However, for dance to be established as a full-fledged career, policy-level interventions are crucial. Government initiatives that integrate performing arts into mainstream education as a serious subject will play a significant role in shifting perceptions. That said, pursuing dance as a career is ultimately an individual choice, driven by personal dedication and perseverance. As a Sanskrit verse reminds us: ‘Udyamam sahasam dhairyam buddhi shaktih paraakramaha | Shadete yatra vartante tatra devaassahaaya krit || Which means that, strenuous and continuous efforts, courage, fortitude, wisdom, strength, and valour where these six qualities exist, divine forces lend their support.’

She further adds, “The student must also cultivate the right attributes like reading, writing, observing, inquiring and seeking guidance of the Gurus as described in this verse - Yah pathati likhati pashyati paripruchchati panditaan upaashrayati । Tasya dinakarakiranair nalini dala miva vikaasyate buddhih ॥ Pursuing dance as a serious profession is a two-way street: institutions and policymakers must provide the necessary infrastructure and opportunities, while students must demonstrate commitment, discipline, and focus in their artistic pursuits to thrive.”

To establish dance as a legitimate career and not just a hobby, we must first change our mindset. Parents, teachers, and society need to acknowledge that dance is not merely a form of entertainment but a serious profession. The government and private institutions should also include dance as a mainstream career option through better policies and opportunities.

Educational institutions should introduce dance as a structured subject, just like music or sports, and offer career guidance in this field. Media should also play a more responsible role in portraying dancers as serious professionals rather than just background entertainers.

Art and culture define a nation’s identity, and for a culturally rich country like India, limiting dance to just a hobby is a great injustice. We must work towards promoting dance as a respectable career and giving dancers the recognition they truly deserve. Only then can we envision an India where dance is not just a pastime but a profession to be proud of.