Cheruthuruthi: In a historic step towards gender inclusivity in classical arts, budding child actor Daniel Eldho Joy has been enrolled to a short-term Bharatanatyam course at Kerala Kalamandalam, becoming the institution’s first male student in the Bharatanatyam department since it officially lifted gender restrictions on art education. At just 11 years old, Daniel is also the youngest student currently enrolled at the esteemed institution.

Daniel, an Australian citizen of Indian origin, hails from Mecheril Mamalassery at Piravom in Ernakulam. He is the son of Eldho Joy and Honey. Under the guidance of acclaimed guru Dr RLV Ramakrishnan, Daniel is pursuing his passion for Bharatanatyam. His parents had earlier expressed their son's desire to join Kalamandalam to Dr Ramakrishnan during his visit to Australia as a guest at a cultural event.

Daniel began learning dance during the COVID-19 pandemic and has trained in both Bharatanatyam and ballet. He passed Australia’s prestigious talent examination while in Grade 6 and chose to pursue the arts as his field of study.

After relocating to Kerala, Daniel acted in the upcoming Malayalam film ‘Visudha Vara’, which is set to release soon. He has also signed two additional film projects. Sharing his excitement, Daniel said he is proud to be studying at Kalamandalam, a sentiment echoed by his guru, Dr RLV Ramakrishnan, who said it is a meaningful achievement to contribute male dancers to the field from this institution.

Daniel has two siblings – David and Anna.

Though Kerala Kalamandalam officially removed gender-based restrictions even in its main courses, boys have so far stayed away from the dance department. Interestingly, even as male students enter Bharatanatyam, girls are now making their way into Kathakali — a traditionally male-dominated art form — signalling a major cultural shift.

Kalamandalam currently offers six-month short-term courses in classical art forms that are open to all, regardless of age or nationality. These are structured into primary and secondary levels and can be accessed by paying a fixed fee.

“These programmes aim to democratise access to traditional art forms and take them to a wider audience,” said Dr P Rajesh Kumar, Registrar of Kerala Kalamandalam.