The curtain has fallen on 5_6_7_8, an original dance musical that drew strong audience engagement through its focus on friendship, emotion and storytelling expressed through movement.
Choreographed and directed by Sohini Banerjee, Vihang Nikalje and Darshan Pawar, the production brought together performers across age groups and backgrounds, building a cast that reflected a wide cross-section of the community. The show centred on four friends whose lives evolve through dance, exploring connection, ambition, heartbreak and reconciliation, with movement driving much of the narrative.
The concept for the musical was developed by Vihang Nikalje, emerging during a celebratory dinner following an earlier production by the team. Conversations among the long-standing dance group, which has worked together for more than a decade, reportedly turned towards shared experiences of friendship, change and personal growth, forming the basis of the storyline that became 5_6_7_8.
Set within an Indian cultural frame while drawing on wider universal themes, the production used dance as its primary storytelling tool. Styles including Bollywood, contemporary, semi-classical and theatrical forms were woven into the narrative to shape character arcs and emotional shifts rather than serving as standalone performance pieces.
“Through our musicals, we strive to tell stories that are relatable not only to the Indian community but to every individual. Dance is one of the most powerful forms of storytelling, capable of expressing emotions that words often cannot. Through 5_6_7_8, we wanted to celebrate friendship, resilience, community and the transformative power of the performing arts,” said Vihang Nikalje.
A standout segment featured a fusion piece also titled 5_6_7_8, which combined western and Indian dance styles. The sequence explored dance as expression, connection and release, bringing different forms together within a single performance structure.
Behind the production was a large creative and support team, along with volunteers and families who contributed to rehearsals, staging and logistics over many months. Performers were credited with shaping the emotional tone of the show through their interpretation of choreography and character work.
Audience reaction across the run was strongly engaged, with responses ranging from laughter and applause to reflective moments during quieter sections of the performance. The production’s reception highlighted continued interest in community-led theatrical work that places original storytelling at its centre.
As the creative team reflects on the completion of 5_6_7_8, they have indicated a continued focus on developing new works through Bollywood Dance Company, with an emphasis on performance-driven storytelling.
Bollywood Dance Company, based in Melbourne and Sydney, operates across classes, workshops and stage productions, supporting performers of different ages and experience levels in developing their craft.
Production credits
Concept and story: Vihang Nikalje
Choreography and direction: Sohini Banerjee, Vihang Nikalje and Darshan Pawar
Produced by: Bollywood Dance Company
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