Sangeet Dance Guide + 100 Songs for an Unforgettable Night

Written By Weston .
Sangeet Ceremony

Sangeet is one of the most fun and high-energy wedding traditions in Indian weddings, especially in Hindu and Sikh cultures.

Originally a multi-day celebration, modern Sangeets are usually one evening filled with choreographed performances, live music, and dancing.

Whether you’re planning routines, picking songs, or hiring a choreographer, this guide will help you create an unforgettable night.

Who is This Guide For?

  • Couples, families, and friends preparing for a Sangeet.

  • Those looking for dance ideas, song recommendations, and planning tips.

  • First-timers who need a step-by-step guide.

  • Even non-Indian guests attending their first Sangeet will find this useful.

What You’ll Learn

  • The most common Sangeet Dance performances and how they’re structured.

  • How to prepare with themes, choreography, outfits, and song selection.

  • A 100+ song list with Bollywood and folk classics.

  • Sangeet choreography, work with Erin at Steps to Love to make every performance spectacular.

Table of Contents

The couples dance at a Sangeet

The Dances of Sangeet

Popular Dance Styles for Sangeet

  • Bollywood – High-energy, theatrical dance moves from Indian cinema.

  • Indian Folk – Traditional dances like Garba (Gujarati) and Bhangra (Punjabi).

  • Classical Indian – More formal styles like Kathak or Bharatanatyam, often blended with contemporary elements.

  • Fusion – Combinations of Bollywood with Western styles like hip-hop.

  • Remixes – Popular Bollywood songs remixed with modern beats.

Performance time limits & song length

  • Total dance segment: 30–60 minutes (45 minutes is ideal).

  • Each performance: 1–3 minutes per dance (keeps energy high).

  • Couple's dance: Can go longer, 3–5 minutes for that special moment.

Making an entrance at Sangeet

Grand Entry

A dramatic entrance that sets the tone for the night. The couple, their families, or the entire wedding party can enter with a choreographed sequence to hype up the crowd. Some include props, coordinated formations, or even surprise elements.

Couples Dance

The centerpiece of the night, often a romantic or playful routine. Some couples keep it elegant and slow, while others surprise guests with a fun, energetic Bollywood mix. Choreography ensures the couple moves in sync and looks confident.

Family Dance Performances

Parents, siblings, and elders perform sentimental or fun routines, often celebrating the couple’s journey. Choreography helps keep multiple generations in sync, ensuring even grandparents can join in comfortably.

Friend Dance Performances

A chance for the couple’s closest friends to steal the spotlight with a high-energy routine. These dances are often playful and full of inside jokes, making choreography key for keeping it structured and polished.

Group Dances

Large mixed-group performances featuring both families and friends. These are often choreographed in sections, with dancers entering and exiting at key moments to keep the routine dynamic and exciting.

Dance-Offs

One of the most fun parts of a Sangeet, where the couple’s sides battle it out in friendly competition. Choreography is often designed to make each side’s dance sharper, funnier, or more impressive, helping them win crowd support.

Solo Acts

A special moment where a close family member, sibling, or even a celebrity guest surprises the couple with a performance. A well-rehearsed, choreographed solo can be a highlight of the night. In some families, female elders may choose to sing a traditional song instead of dancing.

Open Floor Dancing

After the performances, the structured choreography ends, and the dance floor opens for everyone. This is when the DJ takes over, playing a mix of Bollywood hits, Punjabi beats, and party anthems to keep the energy high. Guests of all ages join in, whether freestyling or following familiar dance moves like Bhangra or Garba.

Prepare a dazzling Sangeet

Planning Your Sangeet Performances

Choose a theme

A theme sets the tone for the Sangeet, guiding song selection, dance styles, outfits, and stage design. Some popular themes include:

  • Bollywood Glam – A cinematic, high-energy showcase with vibrant costumes and dramatic performances.

  • Royal Rajwadi – A traditional theme featuring folk dances like Ghoomar with regal attire.

  • Sufi Night – A soulful evening with Qawwali-inspired performances and flowing costumes.

  • Fusion Fiesta – A mix of Bollywood, Western, hip-hop, and freestyle for a modern, energetic vibe.

  • Retro Bollywood – A throwback to 70s-90s Bollywood with vintage songs and styling.

  • Punjabi Bhangra Bash – High-energy Bhangra and dhol beats for a lively celebration.

  • Fairy Tale Fantasy – A dreamy, elegant theme with romantic, soft choreography.

Special Effects & Enhancements

Many Sangeets incorporate effects to enhance performances:

  • LED dance floors and lighting to create a dynamic stage presence.

  • Props and costumes like dupattas, sunglasses, or umbrellas for added flair.

  • Fog, fireworks, and cold pyro for dramatic grand entries and highlight moments.

  • Cinematic choreography filmed by professionals for a polished, movie-like experience.

Groom squad playing music at sangeet

Select Songs

Song selection shapes the flow and energy of the event. Key considerations:

  • Balance classics and modern hits to engage all generations.

  • Vary energy levels by mixing upbeat tracks with sentimental moments.

  • Pick danceable tracks with clear beats and engaging rhythms.

  • Keep performances short (1-3 minutes) to maintain audience engagement.

Choose the Right Clothing

Outfits should be stylish, comfortable, and easy to move in for seamless performances.

  • Breathable Fabrics – Lightweight materials like georgette or chiffon keep dancers cool.

  • Secure Fits – Avoid overly tight or loose outfits that restrict movement or need adjusting.

  • Comfortable Footwear – Flat or low-heeled shoes provide stability; avoid slippery soles.

  • Traditional vs. Fusion Attire – Lehengas, sarees, and sherwanis for a classic look; dhoti pants or kurta sets for flexibility.

  • Accessories – Secure dupattas and skip heavy jewelry that may interfere with dancing.

Preparation Timeline

10-12 Weeks Before:

  • Choose Songs

  • Assign Dances

  • Hire Choreographer

6-8 Weeks Before:

  • Start Rehearsals

  • Finalize Outfits

2 Weeks Before:

  • Practice in Outfits

  • Finalize Music

Day Before:

  • Final run-through at the venue if possible.

Choreographed dances at sangeet

Sangeet Choreography & Hiring a Choreographer

Why Hire a Choreographer?

Sangeet performances are more elaborate than ever, with families aiming for polished, unforgettable routines. A choreographer helps coordinate movements, refine transitions, and adapt steps for all skill levels, ensuring even non-dancers feel confident.

In-Person vs. Virtual Coaching

  • In-Person – Best for hands-on instruction, group coordination, and live corrections.

  • Virtual – Great for busy schedules, distant relatives, or last-minute prep via Zoom or pre-recorded tutorials.

Meet Erin – Your Expert Sangeet Choreographer

For those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Erin Parsley is an award-winning wedding choreographer with over 20 years of experience, helping couples and families create unforgettable performances.

  • First Dance Perfection – Erin excels at choreographing romantic, elegant first dances that feel natural and effortless.

  • Group Performances – Whether it’s a high-energy family number or a fun friends’ routine, she ensures everyone moves in sync.

  • Dance-Off Advantage – Want your side to win the Sangeet dance offs? Erin crafts routines that give you a competitive edge in dance competitions.

Whether you need a romantic couple’s dance, a high-energy family performance, or a full event dance plan, Erin ensures your Sangeet feels magical. Book your time with Erin here!

Sangeet ceremony dancing to Indian songs

100+ Amazing Songs for Sangeet

Traditional Indian Folk Songs

Sangeet ceremony party

Bollywood Songs - Classic & Modern

Classic Bollywood Songs (1960s-1990s)

Modern Bollywood (2000s-present)

Brothers dancing at Sangeet

Indo-Western Fusion Songs

Groom squad at Sangeet Party

Contemporary Indian Pop

Brides squad dancing Sangeet

Sangeet Songs for Family Matriarchs to Sing

Learn to dance with Steps to Love

Make Your Sangeet Unforgettable

If you're seeking to elevate your Sangeet dances from simple steps to spectacular routines, consider working with a professional choreographer.

With over two decades of experience, Erin Parsley and Steps to Love Wedding Dances can bring your vision to life, creating personalized choreography that reflects your style and skill level.

Whether you're in the San Francisco Bay Area or planning from afar, Erin offers both in-person and virtual coaching to ensure your Sangeet is a magical celebration to remember.

Book a consultation with Erin today and take the first step towards an extraordinary Sangeet performance!

Weston .
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Wedding Photography Styles for the First Dance