Business Details
11 Years
experience
Bollywood Dance Entertainment in Melbourne | Sapphire Dance
Sapphire Dance has been delivering exceptional Bollywood dance entertainment and education across Melbourne, Australia and internationally for over a decade. Our team of industry professionals combines expertise in traditional and contemporary Indian dance forms with a passion for performance, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences and participants alike. As founders of Australia's largest Indian dance studio, Studio J Dance, we bring deep industry knowledge and a commitment to cultural authenticity to every service we offer. Our performers have graced stages in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Guam and Pakistan, while our educational programs engage students from primary schools to universities.We specialise in tailoring performances and workshops to suit corporate events, weddings, festivals and community celebrations, with a proven track record of exceeding client expectations. Our dedication to quality has earned us partnerships with major organisations including Optus, Bank of Melbourne and the Australia India Institute. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we continue to set the standard for Bollywood entertainment in Australia.
Services
Bollywood Dance Entertainment
Corporate Functions
Wedding Choreography
School Incursions
Costume Hire
Stage Shows
Classical Indian Dance
Bhangra Performances
Dance Workshops
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of professional Bollywood dance experience
- Our performers are industry professionals with international performance credentials
- We provide tailored entertainment solutions for corporate events and weddings
- We operate Australia's largest Indian dance studio with expert instructors
- Our team has performed across four continents including Asia and Europe
What people say
Amazing performance
High energy
Professional dancers
Excellent choreography
Loved the workshop
Services
Bollywood Dance Entertainment
Professional Bollywood dance shows featuring vibrant costumes and choreography. Ideal for weddings, festivals and corporate events seeking authentic Indian entertainment. Our performances combine traditional elements with modern flair to create memorable spectacles that engage diverse audiences through colour, music and storytelling.
Corporate Functions
Customised dance performances and interactive workshops for business events. Services include product launches, gala dinners and cultural diversity programs. We work closely with clients to align performances with brand messaging while delivering high-energy entertainment that impresses attendees and enhances event themes.
Wedding Choreography
Personalised dance instruction and performance creation for wedding celebrations. Includes bridal lessons, groom participation and group routines. Our instructors specialise in creating memorable first dances and surprise performances that incorporate cultural traditions while maintaining modern appeal for contemporary celebrations.
School Incursions
Interactive Bollywood dance programs for primary and secondary schools. Combines cultural education with physical activity, teaching students about Indian dance traditions through engaging workshops. Programs align with curriculum requirements while promoting creativity, teamwork and cultural appreciation through practical dance instruction.
Costume Hire
Rental of authentic Bollywood dance costumes for special events. Features professionally used outfits in traditional Indian styles suitable for both men and women. Minimum hire of three sets required, with costumes available in limited sizes to ensure quality presentation for weddings, themed parties and cultural performances.
People
Jaya Karan
Director
Founder of Sapphire Dance and Studio J Dance, Jaya transitioned from physiotherapy to full-time dance entrepreneurship. With international performance experience across four continents, she leads Melbourne's premier Indian dance entertainment provider while maintaining creative direction of both companies.
Ida Ghatge
Creative Director
Classically trained Kathak dancer with 20+ years experience. Specialises in blending traditional Indian dance forms with contemporary styles. Holds formal training from Terence Lewis Dance Academy and multiple classical dance disciplines, bringing technical expertise to Sapphire Dance's creative projects.
Shamita Sivabalan
Performing Artist
Versatile performer with 15 years ballet training and Bachelor of Performing Arts. Expertise spans contemporary, hip hop and Bollywood styles. Active in Melbourne's queer arts scene, Shamita contributes choreographic innovation and movement direction to Sapphire Dance productions.
Sonya Joshi
Dance Instructor
18 years dance experience including Bollywood, Bhangra and Odissi. Former Shiamak Dance Academy member and LAKS Dance Crew co-founder. Specialises in bridal choreography and group instruction, combining technical precision with accessible teaching methods for diverse student groups.
Ashwini Chettiar
Senior Performer
20+ years dance experience across Bharatanatyam, Bhangra and contemporary styles. Advocate for dance as community-building tool. Teaches multiple styles at Studio J Dance while maintaining performance commitments, bringing both technical skill and educational expertise to Sapphire Dance programs.
Questions
What types of events do you perform at?
We perform at weddings, corporate events, festivals, school programs and private celebrations. Our repertoire includes traditional Bollywood, classical Indian dance and fusion styles suitable for diverse occasions.
Can you accommodate last-minute bookings?
Yes, we've successfully handled urgent requests including same-day bookings. Our flexible team maintains availability for special projects while ensuring quality delivery for all performances.
Do you offer dance instruction for beginners?
Yes, we provide workshops and classes for all skill levels. Our instructors specialise in making Bollywood dance accessible through progressive teaching methods that build confidence and technique.
What's included in costume hire?
Our hire includes professionally used Bollywood costumes in limited sizes. Minimum 3-set hire applies with options for both men and women. Costumes are ex-performance quality with vibrant traditional designs.
How far do you travel for performances?
We perform across Melbourne, regional Victoria and internationally. Our team has experience working in diverse venues from small private spaces to large festival stages across Australia and overseas locations.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Kamala Rajan
Mar 24, 2021
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Jaya & Shamita were absolutely awesome at our recent Mehndi celebration. Thank you ladies for your vibrant, energetic, mesmerising, expressive, flawless (list can go on) fusion performances. I loved loved loved your song selection. Our guests were equally in awe and thoroughly enjoyed the workshop which was a grand finale of the event. You both made the celebration so much more special for my son and his bride. Cant wait to invite you again for another event.
Allison Allen
Oct 11, 2019
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We had a fabulous one hour Bollywood dance class as a corporate team activity. Josh was a fabulous instructor, bringing great fun and energy to the class. We all had a wonderful time with lots of laughs and a good workout too! Highly recommended.
Pri Chatt
Oct 05, 2019
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Jaya and her team are top notch. They truly went above and beyond to give us what we wanted for our wedding. We hired them to choreograph our dances for our wedding in India as well as in Melbourne, Australia.
Gerard, our choreographer was so so amazing and patient with us and our friends. He truly made the whole experience a lot of fun for us and our dance rehearsal sessions were actually the least stressful part of our wedding. Jaya made sure the communication and coordination of classes, songs etc went seamlessly.
Jaya and her team also performed and conducted a dance workshop at our wedding
Gerard, our choreographer was so so amazing and patient with us and our friends. He truly made the whole experience a lot of fun for us and our dance rehearsal sessions were actually the least stressful part of our wedding. Jaya made sure the communication and coordination of classes, songs etc went seamlessly.
Jaya and her team also performed and conducted a dance workshop at our wedding
Sheena Karim
Sep 20, 2019
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I booked Sapphire to teach a Bollywood lesson at my daughter's 10th Birthday party, and they sent me Zoe. She was beautiful and amazing. She kept the girls entertained with games, and had such wonderful energy everyone loved her. Nearer the end of the session she taught the girls a number of moves that translated into a 1 minute dance and I had invited the parents to watch the show. All day today I have been sharing text messages with mums telling me how much they enjoyed the party and have been watching the videos we took. Best party ever, we will never forget it! Thank you Zoe and Jaya.
Deanna Simmons
Jul 29, 2019
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We recently booked the Sapphire Dancers for our Cultural Diversity Festival at a metropolitan aged care facility. This was booked last minute, only a few days beforehand however Jaya (the coordinator) did everything to accommodate the booking and found dancers available. The dancers made the event. They were professional, timely and flexible to some last minute changes. The residents loved their vibrant and charismatic energy.
