Young boys performed Gotipua dance dressed as girls because women were traditionally restricted from dancing in public. Their feminine appearance allowed them to depict divine stories gracefully, preserving Odissi dance traditions while maintaining religious and cultural aesthetics.
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In Gotipua dance, young boys were dressed as girls because societal norms historically restricted women from performing publicly. These boys, trained in Odissi techniques, embodied feminine grace and devotion while enacting tales of Krishna and Radha. Their elaborate costumes, jewelry and expressive movements maintained the aesthetic beauty of classical dance. This tradition ensured the preservation of Odissi dance while honoring religious customs, allowing male dancers to portray divine feminine roles with artistic elegance and cultural significance.