Legends say that when Lord Shiva first performed the Tandava, that fierce, rhythmic cosmic dance of creation and destruction, the world trembled and then found its pulse. In ancient India, dance began not as spectacle but as sacred storytelling, and male dancers like Shiva’s own followers, the Natarajas, were its first torchbearers. Men were considered the first custodians of India’s dance heritage. From temple courtyards to royal courts, male dancers carried forward divine stories through rhythm, expression, and devotion. But over the centuries, the narrative changed, as the art evolved and society transformed, the image of the classical dancer became almost exclusively feminine. Fast-forward to today, and a new wave of artists is flipping that script.

Now, a new generation is spinning the narrative back, with grit, grace, and Instagram reels. Meet Vinay Tiwari, Jeeno Joseph, Rohit Gijare, Pravin Agawane, and Girish Manohar, five men rewriting what it means to move in rhythm with both tradition and rebellion.

Vinay Tiwari – The Bhojpuri Bharatanatyam Trailblazer

If Bharatanatyam had a passport, Vinay Tiwari stamped it in Bihar. Vinay Tiwari is a disciple of Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan and Guru Rama Vaidyanathan who has brought a fresh voice to Bharatanatyam through his groundbreaking production Abhadra: Story of One, Struggles of Many. This is the first Bharatanatyam performance in Bhojpuri, blending temple grace with stories of migration and resilience. Each step and rhythm carries the emotion of leaving home, and the performance transforms classical technique into a living narrative of human endurance. Beyond the stage, Vinay documents stories through photography, calling himself a Motion Storyteller, and his Instagram audience of over 21,000 follows his journey connecting tradition with modern expression. Through his work, he shows that culture is not fixed by region or language, but travels, evolves, and survives.

Jeeno Joseph – The Cross of Faith and Form

From Kerala to New York’s global stages, Jeeno Joseph is living proof that devotion wears many forms. An Indian-American Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, he brings fluidity and depth to works that explore the intersections of culture, faith and identity. Trained under Guru Dr. Francis Barboza, he performs both his mentor’s distinctive choreographies and his own original works that reflect his lived experience as a Malayali-American artist. Founder and artistic director of The Nadanam Collective, he has created a space for collaboration and experimentation in classical dance. Offstage, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Jeeno blends anatomy with artistry, showing that discipline and expression can coexist in perfect balance. His journey continues to challenge gender norms in Bharatanatyam, each performance a statement of authenticity, courage and grace.

Rohit Gijare – The Kathak-Hip Hop Crossover King

If Kathak had Wi-Fi, it would dance like Rohit Gijare. Born in India and raised in the United States, Rohit embodies the spirit of a global generation, rooted in tradition but fluent in the rhythm of now. Trained in Kathak under Archana Joglekar, grew up in the U.S. and merges classical spins with hip-hop and Bollywood influences. His performances and choreography move fluidly between tradition and contemporary styles, from teaching at Broadway Dance Center to performing in Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ Musical. His online presence, including over 400,000 YouTube subscribers and 118,000 Instagram followers, has made him a viral ambassador of Kathak, with mashups like Beyoncé’s “7/11” reaching international audiences. Whether performing in NBA halftime shows or on stage tours, he combines technical mastery, expressive storytelling, and cultural fusion, proving that classical dance can evolve while maintaining its essence.

Pravin Agawane – The People’s Kathak Choreographer

In Mumbai’s bustling dance studios, Pravin Agawane is a name that sparks instant excitement. Pravin Agawane is a Mumbai-based Kathak and contemporary choreographer who has made classical dance accessible and exciting for modern audiences. With 107,000 Instagram followers and workshops inspired by popular songs such as Chaap Tilak and Tabah Ho Gaye, he blends emotional storytelling with rhythmic discipline. His classes, held across India and internationally, turn dance into a community movement while keeping technique rigorous. Pravin’s philosophy, “Don’t dream your life — live your dreams,” guides both his teaching and performances. He demonstrates that storytelling through dance — whether classical or cinematic — shares the same rhythm when performed with sincerity and heart, making Kathak relatable and inclusive for new generations of dancers.

Girish Manohar – The Keeper of Kathak’s Masculine Grace

In the cultural heart of Pune, Girish Manohar leads a quiet revolution through his Nadyogi Kathak Academy, which now runs four branches and continues to expand. He leads the Nadyogi Kathak Academy in Pune, which now has four branches, with a mission to reclaim masculinity in classical dance. He challenges the misconception that makeup, jewelry, and grace are feminine, emphasizing that strength and elegance coexist. His performances, from devotional Kavits dedicated to Shiva to the Parampara Dance Festival, showcase the balance of power and poise in male dancers. Through structured classes and online sessions, he teaches rhythm, expression, and mindfulness, encouraging students to develop confidence and discipline. For Girish, Kathak is not just performance; it is meditation in motion, a way to connect body, mind, and soul while honoring tradition and exploring personal expression.

The New Rhythm of Representation

At the heart of it all, these artists share a mission: to prove that art has no gender, and heritage has no expiry date. They are dancers and teachers, entrepreneurs and activists, storytellers and social media visionaries, blending tala and technology, abhinaya and authenticity. As they perform from Instagram feeds to international festivals, they’re doing more than reviving tradition, they’re reshaping it. Because in the end, whether it’s Bhojpuri or Broadway, Kathak or Hip Hop, the message is the same, ‘Dance doesn’t belong to men or women. It belongs to anyone brave enough to feel its rhythm.’

She didn’t mean to stop. She was just passing time, tapping through stories, half-watching, half-daydreaming. But then the screen stilled. There was a dancer in a yellow kurta, twirling under a terrace sky. No filters, no flashy transitions. Just feet against concrete, a soft expression, and music that tugged at something old inside her. It was thirty seconds of movement, but it felt like a memory. It reminded her of childhood, watching her grandmother hum to a ghazal, of school day performances, of the way her body used to move before she grew too self-conscious. A reel. That’s all it took. Social media can be noisy, but sometimes, a dancer’s page becomes a sanctuary. Somewhere in the infinite scroll, you stumble upon rhythm, emotion, and the stories of artists who’ve turned their screens into stages.

This piece is a tribute to six such creators, each distinct in form and flavour, from classical to contemporary, from Bharatnatyam to hip-hop. Their art isn’t just visual, it’s visceral. And you don’t have to be a dancer to feel it. You just have to pause.

@dancewithanchita – Storytelling Through Mudras

Anchita Singh’s page feels like a warm cuppa on a rainy day. A trained Kathak dancer with an eye for detail and heart for storytelling, she creates workshops and reels that feel less like lessons and more like invitations. Her “Hand Dance” and “Sitting Dance” sessions are beginner-friendly and emotionally rich, guiding participants to feel their movements, not just execute them. Anchita isn’t trying to impress, she’s trying to connect. Whether it’s “Ae Ri Sakhi” or “Piyu Bole,” her choreographies carry the nostalgia of Hindustani melodies and the elegance of classical form. Each post is personal, making you feel like a part of her little dance universe.

@ishani.nag – The Fusion Force

Ishani Nag, one of the top 6 finalists of India’s Best Dancer Season 4, brings fire to your feed. She isn’t afraid to blend street styles with Indian semi-classical foundations, turning choreography into something almost cinematic. Her recent piece to “Ore Piya” is a beautiful example soft, deliberate, and haunting. Based in Mumbai but dancing across cities and even internationally, with a Dubai workshop, Ishani is all about expansion of style, emotion, and stage presence. There’s a magnetic unpredictability to her that keeps followers coming back. Her account is for the dancer who wants to break rules without losing rhythm.

@thearshiyasharma – Grace Beyond Her Years

Arshiya Sharma may be young, but she dances with the maturity and polish of a seasoned performer. From Super Dancer Season 4 to AGT 19, Arshiya has taken her talent on global level. On screen, she’s a powerhouse. On Instagram, she’s just as engaging, showing snippets of her TV performances, acting reels from Mangal Lakshmi (where she stars), and glimpses of life as a child artist. There’s something rare about Arshiya, she carries herself like a performer born for the spotlight, yet never loses her spark of playfulness. She reminds you that age is never a barrier to excellence.

@vaishnavi__shekhawat – Golden Legs of India

Vaishnavi Shekhawat brings contemporary dance into full throttle. Dubbed “Golden Legs of India” on Dhee 14, and a featured artist on India’s Best Dancer Season 4, Vaishnavi combines strength and elegance in perfect balance. Her dance is powerful and emotive, filled with gravity-defying moves that still retain deep expression. Her account doesn’t just showcase performances it shows preparation, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and her evolving identity as a performer. Whether she’s on stage or off, she carries her dance like armour, vulnerable yet unbreakable.

@_mokshanasanjeev – The Science Dancer

Mokshana Sanjeev is the rare hybrid, part dancer, part scientist, fully human. Based in Bengaluru, she documents her journey as a dancer alongside her academic path, showing how movement and method can coexist beautifully. Her page is filled with reels that combine grace with grounded storytelling. Mokshana’s dance feels personal, almost like she’s talking to the camera in gestures instead of words. It’s not just about technique for her, it’s about authenticity. Her vibe is chill, relatable, and quietly profound, making her an epitome in the performative pressure of Instagram’s dance scene.

@dancer_avijit_ – Rooted in Tradition

Avijit Kundu is a Bharatanatyam performer and founder of Nrityadhee Dance Academy in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. A graded Doordarshan artist and Ministry of Culture scholarship holder, he brings rich classical heritage to the digital space. His performances, like the recent tribute “Tisra Allaripu,” are deeply meditative, paying homage to his gurus and the tradition that shaped him. Collaborations with seasoned musicians and fellow dancers add depth to his posts, making them more than visual art, they are cultural preservation in motion. If you’re looking for content that honours the classical without diluting its essence, Avijit’s page is a must-follow.

Where to Find Them?

You could find these dancers on Instagram and even reach out, for workshops. These six artists don’t just use Instagram, they transform it. Their profiles are digital stages where rhythm meets story, where modern hustle dances with ancient roots. They prove that performance isn’t limited to physical space; it thrives wherever it’s received with openness. Whether you’re watching Arshiya light up international screens, Anchita teach a sitting dance from her laptop, or Ishani shake up fusion from India to Dubai, you’re witnessing something larger than choreography.

So, the next time you scroll, pause. Tap. Watch. Maybe even dance a little yourself. Which of these artists would you love to learn from, and what would your first move be?

Dance is a language that brings people together regardless of their varying cultural backgrounds. With its many forms and variations, this form of art is highly expressive and holds the power to convey the stories and emotions of the dancer without conveying them in words. This International Dance Day, let’s look at a few Indian dancers to celebrate their art form.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya Dance Cover by Nivi and Ishanvi, Laasya

Niveditha and Ishanvi Hegde are a mom-and-daughter dancing duo with moves that are a sight to behold. They’ve done dance covers of multiple trendy songs that you can learn for your next sangeet performance or simply watch for an upbeat mood. In this dance cover of the latest song, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya by Asees Kaur, Raghav featuring Nelly, and Tanishk Bagchi, the duo shows off their expressive and playful moves.

Malhar Jam Dance Cover

Devi Nair and Rachna Jayachandran are classical Kathak dancers from Kerala. They portray the traditional and classical dance styles and values of Indian culture. This dance cover of Malhar Jam by Coke Studio India is a self-choreographed dance. Their mesmerising moves and expressions make it perfect for any classical dance lover.

Cheraw Dance at Anthurium Festival 2013

India is the world’s largest and most diverse nation, making it extremely rich in cultures. While many cultures have travelled borders and reached worldwide audiences, many remain exotic, even to Indians, due to minority sections in the country. One such dance is the Cheraw dance. The Cheraw dance is the exotic traditional mass bamboo folk dance of Mizoram. This dance is performed at the Anthurium Festival every year, which the state government of Mizoram organises to encourage Anthurium cultivation.

Garba Fusion by Kathak Rockers

With the growing modernisation and experimentalism, many dance forms also modernise themselves for a more relatable touch. This is popularly known as a fusion dance. In this dance cover by Kathak Rockers, Sushil Patil’s choreography is traditional Gujrati Garba with a Bollywood touch and Kathak. You can get some moves from this fantastic dance group for your next Garba night and show them to your friends and family.

Barso Re Dance Cover by Nritya Troops Nepal

Barso Re is a famous Bollywood song by A. R. Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal, and Uday Mazumdar from the movie Guru. It is a perfect song for those monsoon days, and what makes it even better is this dance cover by the Nepalese dance group Nritya Troops Nepal. Their moves are energetic and enthusiastic, with a slight touch of Indian classical dances. The dance and their colourful outfits also share a remarkable resemblance with Bollywood dancers.

O Re Piya Dance Cover by Alisa Gurova

Self-choreographed dance by Alisa Gurova, this dance cover of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s O Re Piya is a beautiful sight to please anyone. Alisa, in her dance, beautifully incorporates belly dance in tribal Indian dance form, making it a mesmerising fusion for the audience. It also shows her creativity, vision, and versatility as a dancer and a choreographer. What adds more to the eye-pleasing value is Katya Rybka’s majestic location and directionfor this performance of O Re Piya. 

Kashmir Folk Dance in Sydney

Kashmir is located in the northernmost part of India and is often considered to be paradise on earth due to the breathtaking beauty of its luscious valleys, lakes, and landscapes. Recently, during the visit of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, the community reception in Sydney, Australia presented a beautiful dance performance by Kashmiris. It is a Kashmiri folk dance showcasing their traditions and cultures.

Dalkhai, The Folk Dance of Odisha by Gunjan

Dalkhai is the traditional folk dance of Odisha. This dance performance is from Odia Parba Nuakhai or Navakhai, an agricultural festival. It is mainly celebrated in Western Odisha and Southern Chhattisgarh to welcome the new crops and rice of the season. This dance by Gunjan Dance Academy perfectly represents traditional Odisha and its culture.

Classical dance is always associated with femininity and women. Whenever male dancers get on stage to do their classical pieces they are ridiculed to no end. Putting an end to this ridicule and humiliation here is our list of male Indian classical dancers who are ready to break the stigma around male Indian classical dancers and show the world how they too can be graceful and still be a man.

Kathak Rockers by Kumar Sharma

Combining yin and yang energy and exuding elegance with each step, Kumar Sharma’s performance is bound to leave you in awe. The simple costume helps the viewers to focus more on his expressions and mudras. Never missing a beat, Kumar Sharma’s YouTube page is a must-view page for any Kathak lovers. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not shying away from letting himself shine on stage.

Ardhanarishvara Ashtakam by Vinay Tiwari

Vinay Tiwari perfectly executed a Bharatnatyam number that relies heavily on slow movements. Broadcasted on DD Bharati this dance captured the attention of millions because of Tiwari’s perfectly timed expressions. The costumes and the makeup add a layer of drama to the performance. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not being afraid to slow down and take his time to highlight each move at a time rather than rushing through it.

Ami Je Tomar by Rohit Gijare

Who said Manjulika can be the only one to rock a pair of ghungroos and sway to “Ami Je Tomar”? Many female dancers recreated this iconic dance number from the film Bhool Bhooliya so it was about time a male Indian classical dancer gave his take on the same. And Rohit Gijare does exactly that. Never missing a beat or an expression he manages to keep the viewer’s attention till the last minute. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not being afraid to give his take on the classical Bollywood number.

Bharatnatyam Jathi by Ananda Natanam

A cheerful classical Bharatnatyam performance is all you need on a gloomy day to lift your spirits. And Ananda Natanam delivers exactly that. The bubbly steps accompanied by his cute smile are bound to make even non-dancers sway with joy. The costume is kept simple to ensure the audience can focus on the dancer’s movements and relish the pure joy that Natanam exudes with each step. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by truly enjoying his art form.

Tryambakam by Sutra Foundation

The Tryambakam, (Odissi) is an invocatory homage to Siva, the triple-eyed Lord, Nourisher and Liberator of souls from the bondage of pull of opposites. This masterpiece by the Sutra Foundation brings to light the pure joy of dancing that was experienced by the Lord of Dance, Shiva who is often depicted as half man and half woman. The dancers beautifully capture the Lord’s ever-famous Tandav dance which is bound to energise any wandering soul with its perfect rhythmic movements and passion. These male Indian classical dancers break the stigma against male classical dancers by invoking the divine and transcending societal gender norms with their performance.

Do check out these dancers to truly appreciate the essence of their performance.

Enter into a world of dance, where tradition meets innovation, semi-classical and classical performances are always the beacon of unique niche. A blend of grace and vivacity of contemporary expressions, these performances captivate audiences with their seamless moves and styles. Let us take a journey through the graceful blend of tradition and innovation.

Tere Naina by Dance Choreography : 

Tere Naina Choreography unfolds on stage like a delicate poem, each movement a brushstroke on the canvas of emotion. With her impeccable footwork and expressive gestures, Patel effortlessly navigates the realms of love and vivacity. The performance is set to the beautiful song of “Tere Naina” from My Name Is Khan, fused with the traditional moves by our artist which has the audience grooving long after the performance is over.

Gulabi Sharara 

Gulabi Sharara is a vibrant performance of music and movement, blending traditional moves with a contemporary flair. The peppy number adds to the rhythmic precision of the footwork to the fluidity of his gestures. The mastery of the craft was evident throughout the performance. With each sequence, they have transported the audience on a journey through time and tradition, merging it with contemporary magic.

Ranjan Gawala Mahaganpati – Dance cover

Ranjan Gawala Mahaganpati – Dance cover, challenged traditional boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on classical dance. Through innovative choreography and evocative storytelling, perspective on classical dance. She breathes life into old classical dances, infusing them with modern relevance. Her seamless integration of traditional moves and contemporary elements sparked conversations and ignited imaginations reminding us that art knows no bounds.

Apsara Ali remix dance choreography – Poonam and Priyanka Dance

Apsara Ali remix dance choreography by Poonam and Priyanka was a celebration of joy, unity and the universal language of dance. Through synchronized movements and shared expressions Poonam and Priyanka brought transition and fusion in harmony. The dynamic performance captivated audiences and left us uplifted and groovy. 

After The Curtain Call 

Innovation thrives alongside tradition, creating a rich tapestry of expression and creativity. The performances showcased the boundless talent and passion of their creators, leaving an indelible impression on all those who witnessed them. As we applaud the artists for their dedication and vision, let us continue to support and celebrate the transformative power of dance in all its forms.