Dance: Passion, Profession, or Prejudice?

Torn between Practical Duties & Dreams....

In India, the word "dance" is often followed by a smile, a sense of celebration, and sometimes... a dismissal. It's something you do at weddings, school functions, or when you're happy. But what if you say, "I want to make dance my career"? The tone shifts. Eyebrows rise. The questions begin: "But what will you do long term?", "Is there money in that?", "You mean like a backup job, right?"

This mindset reveals a deep-rooted issue in how we treat dance and dancers in our society. While countries abroad have built systems to support and celebrate dance as a profession, in India, it's still largely treated as a hobby. A dancer in Europe or the U.S. can apply for government grants, get health insurance tailored for performing artists, and even retire with dignity. In India, we often expect dancers to give their time, energy, and years of expertise for free or peanuts!

Dance is one of the oldest, most sacred art forms. It has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. And yet, it’s not considered a "real job." Many dancers are constantly told to pursue something more "stable." It’s heart-wrenching to see artists who pour joy into the world feeling hollow inside — because the world doesn’t value them enough to offer emotional, social, or financial support.

One of the most painful realities? People are willing to splurge thousands on brunches, gadgets, and designer wear — but hesitate when it comes to paying a choreographer fairly. "Can you give a discount?" is something almost every dance professional hears regularly. What people don’t see is the sacrifice behind the scenes — the years of training, injuries, physical pain, sleepless nights, and personal dreams set aside to keep pursuing an art that feeds the soul but often not the stomach.

This disrespect doesn't just hurt egos — it impacts mental health, stability, and dignity.

World-class artists in India often end up taking side jobs or unrelated gigs just to make ends meet. They’re not quitting dance because they want to — they're doing it to survive. And every time that happens, we lose a little more of our cultural richness.

It’s time to change. To honour the art and the artist. To recognize that a dancer is not just someone who entertains — but someone who educates, heals, and empowers. To stop asking for discounts and start offering dignity.

Let’s build a world where dance is respected as much as any other profession. Not just on stage, but off it too.

#SupportArtists #RespectTheArt #DanceIsAProfession