Dance Choreographer

Top Indian Wedding Dance Choreographers in Texas - Dallas, Houston, Austin

Celebrations give way to an abundance of dancing, whether that’s spontaneous dancing on the open dance floor, or carefully choreographed routines to your favorite Bollywood song. A choreographer can make everybody feel special and take part in making the wedding dances fun and memorable. Whether it’s a bride and groom dance or elderly couple grooving or brothers and sisters showing off their dance moves, a good choreographer can take Sangeet ceremony to the next level.

FAQ

What services does a typical Desi wedding dance choreographer provide?

A dance choreographer is truly a specialty vendor. They are available to create and teach dance routines. In terms of process, the choreographer may ask for your preferred songs or alternately recommend songs. They may record the dance and send the video to you to learn on your own time or also offer in-person or virtual practices with them. As an add-on, a choreographer may even curate and create the song-mix for the performances as well.

Questions to ask your dance choreographer

What types of dance performances can you choreograph?

There are several performance-based dance sequences for the Mehendi, Sangeet, or Reception:

First dance (solo dance by the bride or groom) / first dance together: A special dance sequence choreographed specially for the bride or groom, or both of them together
Dance by family members or friends: A story-based dance sequence with a mix of songs (English, Hindi, Tamil or anything from Bollywood)
Couples only dance: A couples-only dance performance by friends or family members such as didi-jiju or bhaiya-bhabhi
Bridesmaids’ or Groomsmen’s dance: Special dance by the bride and/or groom’s friends
Classical Dance: If you are a trained dancer, then you may work with your wedding dance choreographer to create an Indian fusion dance, including Bharatnatyam or Kathak fused with Bollywood, Bangra, or Latin dancing.

Are you familiar with (name) dance style?

Depending on the cultural background of the families, sangeets may feature top 40 Bollywood hits or more cultural performances. For instance, a Maharashtrian wedding sangeet ceremony may include a Lavni performance; a Gujurati wedding may include a Garba; and a UP wedding sangeet may include an Avadhi folk-song based dance performances. When hiring a choreographer for a wedding dance make sure you ask about their familiarity with various dance forms and in particular, the dance style you want in your wedding.

Will you be present for the Sangeet?

Let your choreographer know beforehand if you want him or her to be present at the time of dance performances. Usually, a choreographer is not present at the Sangeet after the practice sessions. If you want them to be present, then make sure you make the necessary arrangements for him or her and any required team members.

Can you arrange for backup dancers? Will there be any special requirements such as lighting or stage décor?

If you are planning a proper stage with lighting and special effects for the sangeet then make sure the choreographer, DJ, and event planner discuss the song sequences and special arrangements have to be made for extras like lighting, smoke, flowers, diyas, and other props. You may choose to even bring in a South Asian dance crew like Blue Flame Performing Arts to add some jazz to your performance.

What are general tips for choosing the best wedding choreographer and choreographing your dance(s)?

Check the testimonials before finalizing an instructor
Make sure you communicate your vision for the choreographed dances and show the choreographer any examples of dances you like
Ask about the choreographer’s specialty, to understand whether they specialize in fun high energy Bollywood numbers, kathak style dancing, bhangra or garba
Start practicing 1-2 months before the wedding or sangeet with regular or virtual dance practices with all your friends and family members participating
Decide on a dance practice time and location, and try to stick to the same schedule
Make sure the choreographer knows the names of members performing and which song they will be in
In these times of COVID, many choreographers choreograph and teach virtually. Make sure that all involved are in sync with technical setup and know how to access the Zoom or Google Meet link.

What are tips for ensuring your wedding dance performances are successful?

Make sure the choreographer or you visit the wedding venue prior to the D-day to see the stage or hall where the performances will be held. This will allow the choreographer to make sure create appropriate formations and give the wedding planner ample time to make adjustments for special requirements. For example, you want a shower of confetti or rose petals during your first dance or flashing lights for a high energy Bollywood song.
Make sure you or the dance choreographer and DJ coordinate on songs and timeline. It’s important for the DJ to have the right cut if you have a remix.
The countdown to the D-day is a busy one for everybody. Make sure your choreographer and all dancers have the practice schedule.
Have your dance choreographer record a video that you can send to the participants for them to practice on their own.
If you are able to host a final practice or two at the venue, it will help make sure formation and spacing is good for the actual performance.

How much do Desi dance choreographers cost?

Choreographers usually charge based on number of songs and practice hours. In Texas, prices are usually $50+ per hour or $75+ per song / dance.

How can The Desi Bride help me find the best wedding dance choreographer?

The Desi Bride has curated top South Asian dance choreographers from around Texas and the country to ensure that they are serious about their work and provide great service ensuring customer satisfaction. In fact, there is no need to doubt the credibility of any of the wedding service providers listed with us. The Desi Bride includes a wide range of top Indian wedding choreographers who provide services from simple ceremonies to dream dance sequences. We have found both budget-friendly and luxury dance choreographers. You can reach out to each of the Desi dance choreographers through their profile page to solidify pricing and next steps.

How many lessons are required?

The number of practice sessions depends mainly on the following below factors. With that said, we recommend a minimum of 4-6 practice sessions, either with the group or individually, and at least 2 practice sessions with the entire group.

Regular practice individually as well as with the choreographer especially when you are taking online classes
Elements such as props, background dancers and performances incorporated in the dance number
Comfort level with the dance style especially the steps

My partner or I can’t dance. Should we still dance at our Desi wedding?

Not everybody can rock the dance floor, but as long as you have fun, that’s all that matters. A good choreographer or dance instructor understands the different skill levels and will work with you to deliver an entertaining and memorable performance. The wedding dance choreography can be tailored to be simple yet enjoyable for the couple, and of course, practice makes perfect!

Can we select our own music for the dance?

At times, couples or family members have their own song in mind. Whether traditional, instrumental or Bollywood, one may or may not be open to certain styles of music. In either case, discuss your song preferences with your choreographer. It is best to convey your vision and ask for the choreographer’s guidance to understand what will work best given timelines and skill level required. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to have a fabulous time at your wedding.

Can I choose a mix of non-Desi dances as well? What styles of dancing are suitable for weddings?

For those who want to go for a mix of Indo-western dances, you can ask your choreographer for references. Some popular dancing styles from which you can choose are:

Traditional ballroom dance style – Waltz, Foxtrot
Tango
Salsa

What are do’s and don’ts while preparing for Indian wedding dances?

Make a list of all those who will be performing by song
Keep a note of the sequence of dance performances
Rehearse the final dance at least once on the stage
Add props to level up dance performances
Make sure you are aunty-appropriate if you think there might be provocative dance steps
Don’t wear a very heavy lehenga or pencil heels while you dance
Wear waterproof makeup that doesn’t run if you sweat
Avoid flowing fabrics such as stoles or dhotis someone might trip over

What are trending Shaadi Songs?

Bridal entry songs in Hindi/Urdu

Afreen afreen – Coke Studio season 8
Nainovaale ne – Padmavat
Jashne bahara – Jodha Akbar
Raabta – Jonita Gandhi
O re piya – Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Shubharambh – Kai po che
Navrai Majhi – English Vinglish

Groom / baarat entrance songs

Ban ja tu meri rani – Guru Randhawa
Tennu leke main jaawanga – Saalam e ishq
Desi boyz – Desi Boyz
Saajan ji ghar aaye – Kuch kuch hota hai
Dilliwaali girlfriend – Yeh Jawaani hai deewani
Nagada – Jab we met

English bridal entrance songs

At Last – Etta James
Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Songbird – Fleetwood Mac
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

English wedding entrance songs for reception

Happy – Pharrell Williams
Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
I Got A Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Dancing In The Moonlight – Toploader
Crazy In Love – Beyonce
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

Wedding songs in Punjabi

Lathey di chaadar
Baajrey da sitta
Suhey ve cheerey walya
Kaala dorya kunde naal
Madaaniya

Wedding songs in Rajasthani

Gorband
Banna re bagama
Luk chup na jaavo jee
Mehendi malir raj
Kesariya baalma

Wedding songs in Gujarati

Mendi te vaavi malaave
Lagan geet – aavi rudi
Vevai ni jaan
Aankhon luchi lene beeni

Wedding songs in Bengali

Biyer gaan
Saajo sundari kanya
Holud bato mendi bato
Rongila damand

Wedding songs in Marathi

Mahat talukyat
Pori tujha pati asva
Mangal gauri
Mangal ashtaka

Wedding songs in Tamil

Mangalam
Malai Maatrinaal
Bhojanam seyya vaarungal
Kannoonjal
Seetha kalyana

Wedding songs in Pahadi (Himachali)

Chitta tera chola
Chamba kitni dur
Gaaliyan

Wedding songs in Bhojpuri

Chalu sakhi dekhlan
Lotaava mein kapela
Babuji dovaara
Piya ke nagariya

TIP: For any performance- you’ll need a committed group of folks; ready to meet for practices, and perfect the routine. If your friends or family members volunteer, make sure to set expectations around meeting/practice times.

Who are the top Indian wedding dance choreographers in Texas?

Most dance choreographers are willing to teach virtually. You'll find a curated list of dance choreographers by the city if you click below.