Men, Dance, and Stigma: An Exploration of Male Dancers' Embodied Identity Formation Experiences Amid the Phenomenon of Toxic Masculinity

Ardianta Sabtu, Oktober 03, 2026
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FORMOSA NEWS

UMS Researchers Reveal How Male Dancers in Indonesia Turn Toxic Masculinity Stigma into Psychological Resilience

A new scientific study documents how male dancers in Indonesia form their embodied identity and build psychological resilience amid social pressure and toxic masculinity. The research was conducted by Rofiq Adi Utomo and Afriza Animawan Arifin from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and published in the Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research (MODERN) in September 2026. These findings offer crucial insights into how artistic expression through dance serves as a medium for psychological healing and a strategic response to gender bullying rooted in patriarchal cultural norms.

Background and Context of Toxic Masculinity in Dance

Dance uses the body as a primary medium to express emotions, life experiences, and personal identity. However, male dancers frequently encounter rigid social constructions of hegemonic masculinity that demand men to display power, stiffness, and dominance at all times. Gender stereotypes that link fluid or expressive dance movements with femininity often trigger social stigma, questioning of sexual orientation, and harassment. This societal pressure creates significant psychological distress, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-confidence among male dancers.

Research Methodology

The researchers from the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of male dancers. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with four professional male dancers who had been active in their careers for over two years, hailing from Pekalongan, Blitar, Wonogiri, and Batam. To ensure data validity, the researchers conducted source triangulation by interviewing two expert informants: an anthropology lecturer and gender researcher, alongside a seasoned ballet and contemporary dance coach. Data were organized and systematically analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with the assistance of ATLAS.ti software.

Key Findings

The analysis revealed several core insights regarding how male dancers navigate social pressure to construct their identities:

  • Early Identity Formation: Initial interest in dance develops during childhood or adolescence through family encouragement, environmental influences, artistic performances, and school assignments. Dancers gradually recognize their bodies as authentic mediums for emotional expression.
  • Exposure to Gender Stigma: Male dancers face persistent verbal harassment, stereotypical labeling, social avoidance, and demands to display traditionally rigid masculine movements. Emotional impacts include introversion, social withdrawal, feelings of isolation, and impaired concentration.
  • Coping Mechanisms and Adaptation: Male dancers cultivate personal resilience by consciously ignoring negative comments, freely expressing bottled-up emotions through contemporary dance, and using artistic achievements as a form of self-affirmation.
  • Crucial Role of Social Support: Inclusive environments created by supportive family members, peers, dance coaches, and arts communities are essential for rebuilding self-confidence and fostering identity acceptance.

Implications and Real-World Impact

This study offers valuable contributions to arts education, mental health practice, and cultural policy. The findings underscore the urgency of creating safe and inclusive spaces within dance studios and performing arts communities to safeguard artists' mental health against toxic masculinity. Furthermore, the research encourages the broader public to reevaluate rigid gender norms that restrict artistic and emotional expression.

Highlighting the transformative journey of male dancers, the research team from the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta emphasized the importance of supportive social networks. Rofiq Adi Utomo and Afriza Animawan Arifin noted, "The formation of embodied identity in male dancers is a dynamic process integrating bodily, emotional, and social experiences; while gender stigma and toxic masculinity present severe psychological challenges, community support and personal reflection allow dancers to turn adversity into strength, ultimately broadening the definition of masculinity to be more inclusive".

Author Profiles:

  1. Rofiq Adi Utomo, S.Psi. – Researcher and alumnus of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, specializing in social psychology, gender identity, and performing arts.
  2. Afriza Animawan Arifin, S.Psi., M.A. – Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, focusing on cultural psychology, gender phenomena, and qualitative research methodology.

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