In conversation with the top choreographers in the region
The Big Fat Indian Wedding would be incomplete without elaborate dance performances, designer outfits and larger than life celebrations.
Sangeet Evenings are one of the most sought-after events at a wedding celebration. A lot goes on behind the scenes for months before you witness that picture perfect family performance that presents itself like clockwork. Those impressive dance moves, special effects, flamboyant entries and the entire show production is the genius of the masterminds behind the craft – the Choreographers! These unsung heroes work over weeks for endless hours training family members on their dance steps till they can perfect them and time them correctly. They travel internationally with the wedding groups to slip in that one last practice session before the performers go up on stage. This is their passion towards their skill.
Being one of the most experienced wedding planners in Dubai, Vivaah Celebrations had a candid conversation with leading choreographers in the region about their craft and the future of their business.
One of the leading choreographers and UAE’s biggest dance You Tuber, Nidhi Kumar (IG: @nidhikumardance) believes the pandemic has led to an evolution in the way the Sangeet performance is choreographed.
“In adversity often lies opportunity. As the world succumbed to a pandemic, the wedding industry also was hit. But despite the hurdles, the industry evolved & that is where the win is!
Sangeet performances now have become more intimate and digitally friendly. I have choreographed two in the USA where the whole family from across the world came together on zoom and danced! Did we ever imagine that before 2020?!
Instructors, now have a wider audience to cater to & expand their business. This change is so beautiful. We may have been locked down, but our love for weddings and dance can never be!”
– Nidhi Kumar
Another renowned choreographer with years of experience in destination weddings, Satyen Babla of DANS (IG: @dans_me) expresses the challenges he faces when working on a high-profile destination wedding.
“High profile weddings are always fun. Having said that, they do come with some challenges. One of the top challenges is availability of the client’s time. Most of our clients are business families or working professionals who usually have formal commitments followed by family time which makes it difficult for them to allocate time for choreography and practice sessions.
In other cases, most of the performing dancers are in different parts of the world. Hence, a lot needs to be worked on remotely through videos or online sessions.
Finally, we have seen multiple additions, edits and removals of songs even after the production has been finalized which compromises the flow and continuity of the performance on the days of the events.”
– Satyen Babla
Known as the maestro of Sangeet performances at Indian, wedding Sumit Khetan (IG: @sumitkhetanent) is a force to reckon with. He spilled the beans on one of the most elaborate Sangeet production and performance he has choreographed under the banner of his company Sumit Khetan Entertainment Co.
“There are many (large projects) to pen down, but in case if I have to choose one, I would highlight a wedding that I recently choreographed in 2020 at Aamby Valley City (Lonavala). The venue was huge, it was called Town Square. We had a larger than life stage measuring 100 meters x 80 meters.
The elaborate acts included special entries, aerial acts, LED interaction and a whole lot more that took months to put together in a seamless manner. I am glad Sumit Khetan Entertainment Co. got an opportunity to design and direct this wedding and we are proud to exceed the client’s expectations too.”
– Sumit Khetan
Dubai-bred talent Riya Berry (IG: @riyaberry) is loved by many for her bubbly and chirpy nature that puts all her clients at ease instantly as they feel deeply connected with her as friends. This gives them the comfort of following Riya’s dance choreography steps quite easily. This power packed talent is creating ripples in the world of destination weddings.
“Typically, choreography should start a month in advance and regular practice sessions should be followed once the songs are finalised. I am aware of clients’ different levels of dancing skills and I guide them accordingly.
Once I arrive at the wedding venue, I liaise with the light and sound team as well as the performers to make sure we practice 2 hours before the event starts so they can mark their positions on stage and get used to their props as well. I am constantly working with the DJ and light team during the entire performance to make sure everything goes right.
Destination weddings are trickier because the Sangeet practices are usually after a pool party, mehndi or any day event – which makes it harder to gather guests together for stage practice! However, performers and guests usually love the essence of a well-choreographed dance skit and more than happy to take that time to make sure everything goes well.”
– Riya Berry
To curate memorable experiences for your destination wedding celebrations, connect with the best wedding planner in Dubai.
Vivaah Celebrations on info@vivaahcelebrations.com
