Mayur kakade
How to Dance?
17th November 2025
Even if you don’t know anything about Bollywood.
There comes a moment at almost every Indian wedding ( usually right after the choreographed dances and performances at the Sangeet) when the families of the bride and the groom will open the dance floor to whoever wishes to join in. Don’t jump in or “crash” performances while that is still happening, that’s seen as inappropriate. The performers have worked extremely hard to learn the song or routine in preparation for the celebration.
But at some point, you will be invited to join, and suddenly, everyone’s on their feet. If you’re from a culture where dancing requires choreography, confidence, or alcohol, then just breathe. In India, dancing is not about being good, it’s about being game. No one expects technique, and no one’s scoring your footwork. They just want to see you move and they love doing it together.
There are several other wedding functions that involves dancing. At some weddings, guests end up dancing even during the Mehndi, but let’s not forget the Baarat: the party before the party. This is where the groom arrives in full glory: often on a horse, in a vintage car decorated and surrounded by friends and family dancing like they’re in a parade. Are you a guest from the Groom’s side? Then do read more about the Baarat here. Warning! There will be dhols, whistles, maybe even sunglasses worn at night and a lot of dancing will be involved!
Mayur kakade
Deepak Verma
To which function are you invited?
Are you invited for the Cocktail Party? Then you’ll be fine. This is usually a more relaxed, sometimes Western-style pre-wedding bash, especially common in North Indian weddings or among urban families. There’s alcohol, music, and maybe a dance floor. There will be a DJ, high heels, fusion outfits, lots of glitter and a vibe somewhere between nightclub and family reunion. Dancing here might be less traditional and more DJ-led, so you’ll be fine if you come from the West but remember: the party will be amazing because it’s still very, very Indian in energy.
So no matter to which function you go to, and how you will dance, and however you choose to dance, even if you’re doing it badly, if you do it with heart, it’s often more appreciated than sitting it out. The dance floor is where generations meet, Instagram content is created, and inhibitions politely exit the room.
Indians love it when foreigners do their best to dance also and if someone teaches you a step, then just follow along! This is not the slow, swaying couple’s dance of Western weddings. This is a dance floor where toddlers, grandmothers, and accountants all share space. Where everyone becomes briefly, gloriously unselfconscious. Where the only rule is: don’t stand still.
You could take a couple of Bollywood classes, or you just binge-watch a lot of YouTube, and we promise you: you’ll be fine! Just go ahead, step onto the floor and don’t forget to enjoy!
More tips
7 / January / 2026
