A cultural dance item gives a company dinner, a gala, an award night or a launch a moment that everyone watches. In Singapore it is also a way to mark the mix of cultures in the room: Chinese, Malay and Indian dance, bhangra with dhol, or all of them in one showcase.
Price: a 15 to 20 minute Malay dance set or a classical Indian solo usually costs SGD 600 to 1,500, a Chinese cultural dance SGD 800 to 2,500 per set and a Bollywood troupe SGD 1,200 to 3,500. See how much a cultural dance performance costs in Singapore.
Where it fits in a dinner and dance
A Singapore dinner and dance usually runs an emcee, a live band or DJ, and one or two specialty acts. The proven order is simple: background music while guests arrive and eat, a specialty act as the mid evening highlight, then the band or DJ for dancing. A cultural item fits that highlight slot well. It runs 10 to 20 minutes, the emcee introduces it, and the room is still seated and watching.
Around Chinese New Year, a Chinese dance item can follow the lion dance opening. In the weeks before Deepavali, a Bollywood or bhangra set brings the energy up before the awards. Near Hari Raya, a Malay dance set or a kompang welcome marks the season. See the festivals page for each one.
Which dance suits a company event
- A multicultural showcase. Chinese, Malay and Indian dance in one programme, with a compere to link the segments. It suits National Day celebrations, government functions and events that celebrate diversity.
- Bollywood or bhangra. High energy, colourful and built for guests to join in. A Bollywood troupe of 3 to 6 dancers suits Deepavali company events and multicultural celebrations. Read about bhangra and dhol and Indian dance.
- Chinese fan or ribbon dance. Graceful and quiet enough for a formal dinner. Read about Chinese dance and the ribbon dance.
- Malay dance and kompang. A kompang group can lead the guest of honour in, and a Malay dance set can follow on stage. Read about Malay dance.
Space, sound and timing
A classical solo needs a 3 by 3 metre platform. A Bollywood or bhangra troupe of six or more needs at least 4 by 5 metres of clear, non slip floor, and marble or tile lobbies often need matting. Dhol and bhangra are loud, which matters in an office with noise rules. If the troupe dances to a backing track, make sure there is a power point near the performance spot and agree with the venue who plays the music. Tell the troupe the exact slot length, so the routine is built for 15 minutes and not stretched to fill 30.
Lead times
Book six to eight weeks ahead for a standard date. For December, the Chinese New Year period and Saturday evenings, book three to four months ahead. November to January is the busiest season, so secure those dates earlier still.
What to send
The date, the venue and the room, the headcount, the time slot in your programme, the dance you have in mind and whether guests should be invited on stage. The guide to booking a cultural dance performance has the full checklist. Then send it on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
