Acing dance moves before a sangeet function when you have two left feet is tough, here’s some advice from celebrity choreographers to help you out.
Weddings are all about celebrations. And what better way to celebrate the union of two people than getting the whole family to the dance floor? That’s where sangeet parties come in. For some people, following the wedding choreographer’s moves can be as effortless as MJ’s moonwalk, but for people who aren’t into dancing, the process may be nerve-wracking.
But, don’t worry. To help all the non-dancers avoid embarrassment, we’ve chatted with some celebrity choreographers to share tips on how to slay the perfect performance just days before the sangeet.
Here’s what they advise.
Celebrity choreographer Urvi Shah, who choreographed the dance at Armaan Jain’s wedding, says, “It’s true, non-dancers would need extra help and additional practice compared to people who have been dancing for a while. But they need to understand that nothing is impossible. Rather than rushing towards perfecting the complete dance sequence, they should focus on perfecting simple movements and then gradually process towards lifts and twirls”.
Renowned choreographer Rajinder Masterji, who devised the dance sequence for Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s sangeet ceremony, believes having favourite songs on the wedding playlist makes the d flow of movements much smoother for non-dancers. He emphasises, “Whether you prefer trending tracks from Instagram or want to dance to beloved classics like Bole Chudiyan and Mehndi Lagake Rekhna, non-dancers must select songs that reflect their personality. When the song resonates with your personality, the movements flow organically”.
Ayushi Khanna, a choreographer and social media sensation, says, “Only your choreographer knows the dance sequence, so non-dancers don’t have to fear what people have to say or becoming the butt of jokes”. She adds, “Weddings should be about making memories, and no one wants to look back at their wedding photos and see themselves looking tense on such a special day. Non-dancers or dancers should focus on making eye contact as it will help eradicate stage fright. One should see their sangeet performance as a fun activity rather than a test”.
Renowned choreographer Rajinder Masterji, who also handled the dance arrangements for Ridhima Kapoor Sahni’s wedding, says, “It’s important to feel good about yourself before stepping on stage for a sangeet.” He adds, “Just like looking smart before a job interview helps boost your confidence, dressing well before a performance can lift your spirits and keep nervousness at bay. Moral of the story: Take ample time to style yourself to perfection before you perform.
Although most non-dancers may wish to replicate dance moves as they see in movies or Instagram reels, one must adhere to the advice of the choreographer. Choreographer Ayushi Khanna says, “Your choreographer knows your body and its flexibility better than anyone else. Therefore, one must always listen to the choreographer as he/she will make things easier and simpler. Yes, complex movements have a jaw-dropping effect, but one cannot deny that simple twirls and moves come with grace and elegance, which are classic ”.
Dancing is all about expressing yourself freely without limiting your movements anywhere in your body. Veteran choreographer Rajinder Masterji says, “Facial Expressions in a dance routine capture the song’s feel.” So, whether you’re a dancer or not, you should listen to the music, feel its vibe, and then plan your expressions accordingly. Yes, practising your moves is equally important, but if you’ve got your expressions right, you’re halfway there.
Are you a non-dancer? If yes, do you find these tips helpful?
Neha Karra is a junior writer, who loves to discover and try the latest trends in style, food and beauty. When she is not curating articles, you will find her playing with kids, reading books, painting and practising Mandala Art. View Profile
