Dancing is at the heart of every Indian wedding, a grand cultural extravaganza marked by vibrant colours, heartfelt emotions, and boundless energy. Dancing is not just a form of entertainment; it is a celebration of life, love, and union.
From the beats of the dhol to the graceful Garba, the diversity of dance styles at an Indian wedding is as varied as the country itself. Indian weddings are renowned for their grandeur, whether celebrated in the traditional settings of villages or in urban cities worldwide.
Regardless of the venue, dancing forms an inseparable part of the festivities, bringing together people of all ages. If you’ve ever wondered how to dance at an Indian wedding, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
Let's Get Straight To The Point
Dancing is a vibrant and essential part of Indian weddings, symbolising joy, unity, and celebration. Key events like the Mehendi, Sangeet, Baraat, and reception feature lively performances ranging from traditional folk styles like Bhangra and Garba to Bollywood-inspired and fusion dances.
The Sangeet is the highlight, where choreographed routines by family members showcase months of preparation. Guests of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate, as enthusiasm and energy matter more than skill. Music—from folk instruments to DJ mixes—sets the tone for these unforgettable moments, creating memories cherished by all.
At Indian weddings, dancing is more than entertainment; it’s a heartfelt expression of happiness and togetherness.
The Role Of Dance In Indian Weddings
Cultural Significance
Dancing is more than just a joyous activity at Indian weddings; it is deeply rooted in tradition. The dance symbolises the coming together of two families, celebrating the union of the bride and groom. Whether through folk traditions or contemporary styles, every movement on the dance floor echoes the happiness shared by all present.
Types of Dance
- Traditional Dances: Many weddings feature regional folk dances such as Bhangra, Garba, and Giddah, each reflecting the rich heritage of Indian states.
- Bollywood-Inspired Moves: With the rise of Indian cinema, Bollywood-style dances have become a favourite. These dances are characterised by energetic moves and dramatic expressions.
- Fusion Styles: Modern Indian weddings also incorporate Western styles like hip-hop, salsa, and freestyle dancing, blending cultures seamlessly.
The Key Moments For Dancing
Mehendi Ceremony
The Mehendi ceremony is one of the most awaited pre-wedding events, especially for the bride and her female relatives and friends. After applying henna designs on their hands, women gather to sing traditional songs and dance. The beats of the dhol set the perfect tone for this joyous occasion.
Sangeet Night
Sangeet, derived from the Sanskrit word for "music," is the ultimate dance event at Indian weddings. Families from both sides come together to showcase choreographed performances. Months of practice culminate in entertaining routines, often set to popular Bollywood hits. The Sangeet is not just about dance; it fosters a sense of camaraderie between the bride and groom's families.
Baraat Procession
The groom's baraat is another opportunity for dancing. Accompanied by a procession of family and friends, the groom arrives at the wedding venue amidst lively beats of dhols and celebratory music. Baraat dancing is spontaneous, high-energy, and brimming with joy.
Reception Party
The wedding reception marks the grand finale of the celebrations. A professional DJ often sets the stage with a mix of Indian and Western tracks. Guests of all ages join in, letting loose on the dance floor.
Popular Dance Styles At Indian Weddings
1. Bhangra
Originating from Punjab, Bhangra is a vibrant and energetic dance performed to the beats of the dhol. It is characterised by powerful footwork, jumps, and hand movements. Bhangra is a staple at North Indian weddings, bringing unmatched enthusiasm to any event.
How to Dance Bhangra:
- Move your shoulders and arms in sync with the beats.
- Use your feet to stomp rhythmically.
- Lift your hands above your head to amplify the energy.
2. Garba and Raas
A Gujarati tradition, Garba is a circular dance performed to folk songs. Raas, another Gujarati dance, involves rhythmic movements using dandiya sticks.
Garba Steps:
- Perform simple claps and twirls.
- Move in a circular formation with the group.
- Add spins for a dramatic effect.
Raas Tips:
- Pair up and use dandiya sticks to strike rhythmically with your partner.
- Maintain a steady pace with the music.
3. Bollywood Dancing
Bollywood dance draws inspiration from Indian cinema, blending traditional and modern moves. It is spontaneous, dramatic, and always entertaining.
Bollywood Dance Tips:
- Follow the beat and let your expressions shine.
- Imitate iconic moves from Bollywood songs.
- Don’t worry about precision—enthusiasm is the key.
Preparing For The Dance Floor
Choreographed Performances
Many families hire professional choreographers to create memorable routines for the Sangeet and Mehendi ceremonies. These experts ensure that everyone, from seasoned dancers to novices, can participate confidently.
Learning on the Spot
Not everyone has time to prepare. Fortunately, Indian wedding dances often involve simple steps that can be learned on the spot. Watching others and mimicking their moves is a common and accepted practice.
Tips For Non-Indians
Indian weddings are open and welcoming, and guests are encouraged to participate in all festivities. Here are some tips for non-Indians:
- Observe and Mimic: Pay attention to the group and follow their movements.
- Embrace Enthusiasm: Confidence matters more than skill.
- Dress Comfortably: Ensure your attire allows for free movement.
The Importance Of Music
Music is the soul of Indian wedding dances. From traditional instruments like dhols and tablas to modern DJ setups, the variety of sounds ensures that there is something for everyone.
Popular Genres
- Folk Music: Used for traditional dances like Garba and Bhangra.
- Bollywood Hits: Perfect for high-energy performances.
- International Tracks: For the fusion-inspired segments of the event.
Conclusion
Indian wedding dances are more than just entertainment—they are a celebration of love, unity, and joy. From the Mehendi to the reception, each dance holds a special place in the hearts of those present. Whether it’s the exuberant Bhangra, the graceful Garba, or the dramatic Bollywood moves, there is a dance for everyone.
As a guest, don’t hesitate to join the festivities. Let the music guide you, embrace the energy around you and create your own memorable moments on the dance floor. After all, in the world of Indian weddings, dancing is not just an activity—it’s an expression of life’s most joyous occasions.
FAQs About Indian Wedding
Indian weddings are traditionally multi-day affairs, and involve many intricate ceremonies, such as the painting of the hands and feet of the bride called a mehndi. Garlands are presented to guests of honor instead of corsages, and lots of flower or rose petals are thrown for good luck.
As couples and wedding suppliers anxiously await the publishing of Stage 3 guidelines on weddings, a government spokesperson told HuffPost dancing would “be advised against” due to the increased risk of transmission from sustained physical and close contact. The only exception to this is the couple's first dance.
The groom typically wears a long jacket – called a Sherwani – over-fitted trousers known as Churidas. Usually, they are worn in a color complementary to the bride's, and gold or white is a common choice. His loafers, called Mojari, are typically leather and must be removed before entering the mandap.
Much like Americans tend to avoid wearing white to a wedding, Indians avoid wearing red. That's the bride's colour. Als, stay away from white and black, as those are colours associated with mourning. I was told that the closer you are to the bride, the bigger the deal is to wear black.
Garba. Garba is a traditional dance of Gujarat and is held a night before the Gujrati wedding. It is also a very famous Indian rhythmic dance and is performed regardless of age. Families and friends get together and perform Garba amidst soft music of garba singers.