Which Indian classical dancer is credited as being the first female dancer to learn and perform the Chhau dance form?

Introduction / Context:
Chhau is a traditional Indian dance form with martial and folk elements, practised mainly in regions such as Mayurbhanj, Seraikella and Purulia. Historically, it was performed almost exclusively by men, particularly in its acrobatic and martial styles. The entry of the first woman dancer who seriously trained in and performed Chhau marked an important moment in the evolution of this art. This question focuses on that pioneering female classical dancer.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks about the first female dancer to learn and perform Chhau.- Options list well known exponents of Indian classical dance who have connections with Odissi and Chhau.- In many dance history references, the pioneering role in Mayurbhanj Chhau performance by a woman soloist is attributed to Sharon Lowen.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall which dancer is repeatedly mentioned in interviews and biographies as breaking the gender barrier in Chhau. Sharon Lowen, though American born, is an established exponent of Indian classical dance forms such as Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau. She is credited with being the first woman to perform Chhau as a soloist and to learn the form in depth at a time when it was dominated by male performers. Therefore, within the context of the options provided, her name best fits the description in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
- Step 1: Identify that the dance form mentioned is Chhau, particularly associated with eastern Indian states.- Step 2: Recall that Chhau was historically a male dominated dance, especially in martial performances.- Step 3: Consider each option. Sonal Mansingh, Mallika Sarabhai, Ileana Citaristi and Daksha Sheth are eminent dancers, but Sharon Lowen is specifically described in dance literature as the first woman solo performer of Mayurbhanj Chhau.- Step 4: Connect Sharon Lowen long training under Chhau gurus and her pioneering stage performances.- Step 5: Select Sharon Lowen as the correct answer among the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
As a cross check, remember that Sharon Lowen is often introduced as an Odissi dancer who also mastered Mayurbhanj Chhau and Manipuri, and that she has credited her teachers in interviews while mentioning that she was the first woman to perform Chhau at a professional level. Other dancers like Ileana Citaristi and Daksha Sheth have also worked with Chhau, but the specific first woman recognition as a solo performer is commonly associated with Sharon Lowen, which matches the wording of the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sonal Mansingh is a celebrated Odissi and Bharatanatyam dancer and has engaged with many forms, yet the specific claim of being the first woman to learn and perform Chhau is not consistently attached to her in standard references.Mallika Sarabhai is a noted classical and contemporary dancer and activist, but she is more closely associated with Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, not with pioneering Chhau performance by women.Ileana Citaristi, an Odissi dancer of Italian origin, has studied Mayurbhanj Chhau and choreographed many works, but she is not usually named as the first woman to learn the form.Daksha Sheth is known for contemporary dance and for work inspired by Kalaripayattu and other traditions, and while she has also used Chhau elements, the primary first woman solo performer credit remains with Sharon Lowen in many accounts.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several women have contributed significantly to Chhau and related dance traditions, students may confuse who exactly was the first to cross the gender barrier. The options include multiple plausible names of famous dancers, which can cause hesitation. To reduce confusion, aspirants should link Sharon Lowen with the specific phrase first woman solo performer of Mayurbhanj Chhau and remember that others, though influential, came later or in different contexts.

Final Answer:
The Indian classical dancer credited as being the first female dancer to learn and perform the Chhau dance form is Sharon Lowen.