Indian Dancing Girls

April 8, 2005 (BBC News) In some areas, dancing has a darker side, and is closely linked to prostitution.

In India dancing is a tradition that goes back centuries. Many girls and boys still learn classical dance, either to entertain people or give worship to the gods at the temple.

In a handful of villages in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, for instance, there are certain places where the skills of dancing and prostitution are handed down from mother to daughter.

In those villages, the whole economy depends on the women, so there is a lot of pressure from parents, brothers and boyfriends for girls to continue their traditional work. Sometimes the girls are just 8 or 9 when they begin.

But now, thanks to social workers and activists, some women and their daughters are breaking away and looking for alternative employment. Clare Jenkins has been to one Indian village of dancing girls.

To listen to the results of Clare Jenkin's work, please follow the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2005_14_fri_04.shtml

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2005_14_fri_04.shtml