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Sikh Man Defies Norms as Graceful Kathak Dancer
2 Sep
Summary
- Asa Willoughby was 14 when he began learning Kathak.
- He faced scrutiny for being a male dancer, especially when wearing a turban.
- Moving to the US helped him find a community that celebrated his art.
At 14, Asa Willoughby embarked on his Kathak journey, inspired by the grace he witnessed in 'Umrao Jaan.' He was often the sole male student in his classes for both Kathak and later, Bharatanatyam, a pursuit that challenged conventional notions of masculinity.
Asa's decision to wear a turban at 21 intensified societal scrutiny, leading to assumptions about his sexuality and constant questioning of his masculinity. His mother's steadfast support was crucial during these challenging years, accompanying him to his first class and assisting with performances.
Relocating to the US proved transformative for Asa. He discovered a community that embraced his classical dance artistry, leading to performance invitations and a sense of belonging. This experience allowed him to see his dance not just as storytelling but as a means of building cultural bridges.
Now a PhD student in the US, Asa continues to practice Kathak and Bharatanatyam. He is a disciple of Anuradha Chaturvedi-Seth and trained under Sujata Banerjee, allowing his art to speak for itself and challenge deeply ingrained societal stereotypes.
