The dance industry is not only for females. Over recent years, male dancers have been making a name for themselves and some have even become household names. Dancer/Choreographer turned singer Blake McGrath is a prime example. He was a finalist in the first season of the reality show dance competition So You Think You Can Dance and later starred in the reality show Dance Life following his dance career. He has made a name for himself in Hollywood and has danced for such celebrities as Madonna, Janet Jackson and Britney Spears and has even starred in some TV commercials. He is now a judge and choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

Let’s not forget about Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Both were famous dancers and choreographers who are pioneers of the dance world – and being male was not a barrier for them.

There are various dance styles that males have pursued and excelled in, including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, Latin and ballroom. There are many male dancers seen in danced-based reality shows such as Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent and America’s Best Dance Crew, among various others.

Bellydancing, which is usually a dance genre that is female-dominated, has now seen many males breaking into the industry while taking a masculine approach to this art form. There was a documentary that aired on OMNI Television called Bellydance Man: From Canada to Cairo which followed Edmonton-based bellydancer Viraj Wanigasekera along his journey and the obstacles he faced pursuing a career as a male bellydancer in a female-dominated industry. With his persistence and his talent, he gained respect among peers in the bellydance world as well as from audiences worldwide. He has performed in Toronto, London, Los Angeles, Cairo and Istanbul.

Gender does not play a role in the dance world. As long as you have the passion, dedication, talent and drive to become a dancer, that’s all that matters. Dance is an art form that can be enjoyed by all.