A cultural dance at a wedding does two jobs. It honours the traditions of the families, and it gives every guest, whatever their background, a moment to watch and often to join. In Singapore that can mean kompang drums and zapin at a Malay wedding, Bollywood and bhangra at an Indian wedding, or a ribbon dance at a Chinese banquet.
Price: a bhangra troupe of 4 to 6 dancers usually costs SGD 1,000 to 2,200, a Bollywood troupe SGD 1,200 to 3,500 and a 15 to 20 minute Malay dance set SGD 600 to 1,500. See how much a cultural dance performance costs in Singapore.
Indian weddings
Dance runs through every stage of an Indian wedding: the sangeet and mehndi night, the baraat, the reception and the after party. Bollywood dancers bring a medley of film songs in bright lehengas, sarees and kurtas. A classical Kathak item adds grace to a reception. Bhangra with dhol is the loudest and most joyful choice for the couple's entrance or the dance floor, with a short segment that pulls guests in. Read about bhangra and dhol and Indian dance.
Malay weddings
A kompang group announces the arrival of the bride and groom with the hand drums, in matching baju Melayu with songkok and samping. On stage, zapin or joget dancers in colourful traditional attire perform for the guests, and a silat performance can be added as a tribute to the newlyweds. A gamelan ensemble can play during the welcome. Read about Malay dance and kompang.
Chinese weddings
The ribbon dance is associated with happiness, prosperity and good fortune, which makes it a good fit for a wedding banquet. A fan dance suits a quieter, formal dinner. A short item of 5 to 15 minutes fits between courses. Read about the ribbon dance and Chinese dance.
Mixed and multicultural weddings
If the two families come from different traditions, you can book one item from each, or a short showcase that combines them. Tell us which traditions you want to honour, and we suggest an order that flows with your programme.
Plan the moment
- Pick the moment. The entrance, the march in, between courses or the start of the dance floor.
- Check the floor. A bhangra or Bollywood troupe of six or more needs at least 4 by 5 metres of clear floor. Tell us the stage or floor size.
- Agree the music. Choose traditional or modern tracks, and agree who plays them on the night.
- Brief the emcee. The emcee introduces the item and, if you want guests to join, calls them up at the right time.
The guide to booking a cultural dance performance has the full checklist. When you are ready, send the date, the venue and the guest count on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
