THE NARTAK

A youth-led project reclaiming space for male classical dancers by challenging gender norms and reshaping how masculinity is viewed in the performing arts.

Hear their stories

We're not just an initiative.

Historically, dance has been perceived as an art form exclusively for women, a symbol of grace and femininity.
The Nartak seeks to challenge this perception by fostering an environment where male dancers can gain visibility, recognition, and respect, and where their movements matter too. We aim to break stereotypes, reclaim classical spaces, and highlight the artistry, discipline, and emotional strength of male dancers. Through interviews, film, and community engagement, we want to tell the stories that have long been left out—stories of passion, pressure, and perseverance.
Because when we say that art belongs to everyone, we must mean it.

Founders

Anika Bhargava and Aalia Deora, co-founders of Nartak, have both been dancing for over 12 years.

Over the years, they found themselves asking the same difficult question: Where are the male classical dancers? Despite being surrounded by a rich community of artists, they noticed a consistent imbalance—classical dance spaces were overwhelmingly dominated by women, while boys and men either dropped out or were hesitant to even begin.

Rather than accepting this as the norm, Anika and Aalia chose to act. With a shared passion for advocacy and inclusion, they founded Nartak to explore, understand, and address the gender gap in classical dance.