Indian dance gives you two very different moods. Classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak, is a graceful storytelling art with centuries of tradition behind every gesture. Bollywood dance is bright, modern and made for a party. In Singapore you can book either, or both in one programme, for a wedding, a Deepavali celebration or a company event.
Price: a Bharatanatyam solo usually costs SGD 600 to 1,500 for a 15 to 30 minute set, and a Bollywood troupe of 3 to 6 dancers SGD 1,200 to 3,500. See how much a cultural dance performance costs in Singapore.
Classical Indian dance
Bharatanatyam comes from Tamil Nadu in South India. You will recognise it by the fixed upper torso, the bent legs, the intricate footwork and the expressive hand gestures called mudras. It began as a devotional form performed in temples and became a widely celebrated performance art.
Kathak comes from North India. It is known for its fast spins, rhythmic footwork and storytelling through facial expression, blending spiritual roots with courtly grace.
Odissi, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam can also be arranged. Classical dancers perform in traditional costume with temple jewellery and ankle bells (ghungroo), to live or recorded music. You can book a solo, a duo or a group, from a 10 minute item to a concert length presentation.
Bollywood dance
A Bollywood troupe is usually 4 to 8 dancers performing a medley of two or three recognisable film songs on a mixed track, which keeps the energy high. The women dance in bright lehengas or sarees and the men in kurtas, chosen to read well under function room lighting. Bollywood suits Deepavali company events and multicultural celebrations, where guests clap along and often join in.
Folk and fusion
Indian folk dance includes bhangra from Punjab, garba from Gujarat and ghoomar from Rajasthan. Bhangra with dhol has its own page: bhangra dancers and dhol drummers. Fusion pieces mix Indian dance with contemporary styles for a modern brand event.
Classical or Bollywood?
They are different art forms with different training, costumes and music, so do not book one expecting the other. If your event honours Deepavali's cultural and religious roots, such as a temple fundraiser or a heritage night, lead with classical dance and use Bollywood as the closing energiser. For a lobby, a mall or an office party, a 20 minute Bollywood or fusion set does more. A common programme opens with a classical piece, moves into Bollywood and closes with bhangra.
Weddings and festivals
At an Indian wedding, dancers perform at the sangeet and mehndi night, the baraat and the reception. See cultural dance for weddings. For Deepavali, bookings pick up from September and peak in the two weekends before the festival. See the festivals page.
Book Indian dancers
Tell us the date, the venue, the floor size, the audience and the length of your slot, on WhatsApp or through the quote form. A classical solo needs a 3 by 3 metre platform, and a Bollywood troupe of six or more at least 4 by 5 metres of clear floor.
