Manik Bhatheja

Manik Bhatheja (born 12 December 1987, New Delhi) is an Indian artist, choreographer, and entrepreneur, widely recognized for his versatile contributions to the performing arts and luxury event industry. He first gained national attention as a finalist on Zee TV’s Dance India Dance Doubles, where his dynamic performances alongside rapper Raftaar showcased his talent to a global audience.

Over the years, Manik transitioned from being a performer to becoming a creative entrepreneur, building a strong reputation in both Bollywood choreography and international event management. He has worked on films, television shows, live concerts, award functions, and stage productions, consistently blending creativity with professionalism.

As the founder of Dance Era in India and Universal Alpha Events in the UAE, he has created platforms that train, promote, and showcase young artists, while also designing and managing world-class luxury events. His ventures reflect his vision of combining art, innovation, and technology to redefine entertainment and event experiences.

Today, Manik Bhatheja is recognized not only as a performer but also as a mentor, entrepreneur, and creative director, whose work continues to inspire aspiring dancers, choreographers, and event professionals across India and abroad.

Early Life

Manik Bhatheja was born on 12 December 1987 in New Delhi, India, to Seema and Chander Prakash Bhatheja. He spent part of his childhood in Aizwal, Mizoram, where he completed his primary education before moving back to New Delhi. From an early age, he displayed a natural inclination toward art, creativity, and performance, often participating in school activities, cultural programs, and community events.

His growing years were shaped by a strong sense of curiosity and discipline. While most of his peers pursued conventional career paths, Manik was drawn towards dance, music, and creative expression. Inspired by the performances he saw on television and live stages, he began experimenting with dance styles, teaching himself through practice and observation.

Despite limited exposure to professional training in the beginning, his dedication, consistency, and passion for the performing arts stood out. He spent countless hours honing his craft, combining academics with rigorous self-practice. This passion soon turned into a defining force of his identity, laying the foundation for his future journey in choreography, performance, and eventually entrepreneurship.

Growing up in a supportive family environment, Manik learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity — values that would later guide his professional life and leadership in the entertainment and events industry.

Founder

Manik Bhatheja is the founder of Dance Era in India and Universal Alpha Events in the UAE. Through 'Dance Era', he created a dedicated platform for nurturing young dancers, offering professional training, workshops, and stage opportunities to aspiring artists. The academy has become a stepping stone for many who aim to pursue careers in the performing arts.

With 'Universal Alpha Events', headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Manik expanded his vision into luxury events and entertainment. The company specializes in designing and curating high-profile events, including weddings, corporate shows, cultural productions, choreography, audiovisual experiences, and technology-driven performances.

As a founder, Manik Bhatheja continues to blend creativity with entrepreneurship, establishing himself as a driving force behind two successful ventures that connect art, innovation, and global entertainment.

Dance Era

Dance Era is a premier events and entertainment company co-founded by Manik and Smriti Bhatheja, specializing in designing exclusive luxury experiences and delivering world-class performances. The company is known for transforming visions into show-stopping celebrations, combining captivating choreography, breathtaking performances, and flawless artist management.

What We Do

Dance Era provides bespoke entertainment solutions across a wide range of events, including:

* Weddings  
* Corporate Events  
* Cultural & Government Events  
* Music Videos & Television Shows  
* Concerts  

Corporate Clients

Over the years, Dance Era has partnered with leading organizations such as Ernst & Young, Vodafone Idea, Grohe, Liberty, Stryker, Rotary, and many more, curating customized performances that blend creativity with precision.

Wedding Clients

The company has also delivered grand wedding experiences for prestigious clients including **Crowne Plaza** and other luxury hospitality brands, bringing unforgettable performances to life with energy, elegance, and artistry.

Founders

Manik Bhatheja, a renowned choreographer and creative director, brings his expertise from Bollywood productions, reality shows, and live stage performances. He is known for curating large-scale spectacles for weddings, corporate functions, and cultural showcases, raising benchmarks in the entertainment industry. Smriti Bhatheja complements this vision with her flair for ideation and script design, coupled with exceptional organizational and management skills. Together, they have positioned Dance Era as a go-to destination for unique and unforgettable event experiences that combine artistic excellence with seamless execution.

Team

Dance Era is supported by a creative team including Senalika Bhasin, Hemant Kumar, Krishna, and Mayank Mamgain, who bring diverse talents and innovation to every project.    

Universal Alpha Events

Universal Alpha Events is a luxury event curation company founded by Manik Bhatheja, headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The company is dedicated to delivering premium, world-class event experiences across the UAE and internationally. With expertise in 'weddings, corporate functions, and bespoke celebrations', Universal Alpha Events transforms visions into reality through creative direction, seamless coordination, and high-impact execution.

Offerings

Universal Alpha Events provides end-to-end services that combine innovation with precision, including:

* Creative Consultation – Shaping client visions into memorable experiences.  
* Concept Ideation & Direction – Developing original concepts and artistic guidance that set events apart.  
* Event Design & Planning – Crafting immersive experiences with detailed planning for flawless results.  
* Production & Technology – Integrating cutting-edge lighting, sound, and stagecraft.  
* Entertainment & Talent Management – Sourcing and managing professional performers and curated acts.  
* Show Calling & Execution – Coordinating every cue and backstage element to ensure smooth delivery.  

Recognition

The company has built a reputation for **curating luxurious, unforgettable experiences** by blending artistry with management excellence. Its work is distinguished by attention to detail, innovative designs, and the ability to deliver on a global scale.

Education

Manik Bhatheja completed his primary schooling in Aizwal, Mizoram, before returning to New Delhi to continue his higher studies. From an early age, he balanced academics with his growing passion for the performing arts, actively participating in extracurricular activities such as dance competitions, cultural events, and stage shows.

He pursued a 'Bachelor of Arts degree from Delhi University', where his exposure to diverse art forms and student-led events further fueled his interest in performance and choreography. During his college years, Manik often took the initiative to choreograph cultural fests and talent shows, gaining recognition among peers for his creativity and leadership on stage.

Although his formal education was rooted in academics, his college life became the true turning point where he began envisioning dance not just as a hobby but as a serious professional career. He invested his time in learning different dance techniques, attending workshops, and collaborating with other young artists.

This blend of formal education and self-driven artistic training laid the foundation for his dual career as a performing artist and entrepreneur. The discipline gained from academics and the creativity nurtured through college experiences would later become crucial in managing his ventures, 'Dance Era' and 'Universal Alpha Events'.

Career

Manik Bhatheja began his professional journey in the Indian entertainment industry as a dancer and choreographer. His rise to fame came through Zee TV’s reality show Dance India Dance Doubles, where he secured a place in the Top 10 contestants and performed with Indian rapper Raftaar, gaining national recognition.

Following this breakthrough, he worked on several high-profile projects that highlighted his versatility and creative skill, including:

• Assistance in choreography for the MTV Lycra Style Awards
• Appearance on the television show Destination Love (Bindass)
• Performances in Bollywood films such as ABCD, Jannat 2, and Blue Mountains.

Expanding his presence in the industry, Manik later served as a judge on Dance Punjabi Dance(PTC), strengthening his reputation as both a performer and mentor.

Beyond television and cinema, he co-founded 'Dance Era', a performing arts company in India dedicated to training and showcasing emerging talent. The institution became a platform for nurturing young dancers and producing stage productions.

Taking his vision global, Manik established 'Universal Alpha Events' in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The company focuses on luxury event curation, show direction, choreography, audiovisual productions, technology-based performances, and professional acts. Under his leadership, it has emerged as a prominent name in the Middle East entertainment and event industry.

Awards and Achievements

Manik Bhatheja has built a remarkable career marked by recognition in the fields of dance, choreography, and event curation. His achievements reflect his journey from a passionate performer to an established entrepreneur and mentor:

• Finalist in Zee TV’s reality show 'Dance India Dance Doubles', where his performances alongside rapper Raftaar gained nationwide acclaim and recognition.
• Assisted in choreography for the prestigious 'MTV Lycra Style Awards', showcasing his talent on a global entertainment platform.
• Worked in Bollywood films such as 'ABCD', 'Jannat 2', and 'Blue Mountains', expanding his creative reach into mainstream cinema.
• Featured performer on 'Destination Love'(Bindass TV), furthering his presence in television.
• Served as a judge on 'Dance Punjabi Dance(PTC)', where he mentored young dancers and promoted regional talent.
• Founded 'Dance Era' in India, which has trained and nurtured hundreds of aspiring dancers, producing several stage shows and cultural performances.
• Established 'Universal Alpha Events' in the UAE, specializing in luxury event management, choreography, and high-tech show productions, gaining recognition across the Middle East.
• Recognized as a creative entrepreneur who successfully blended performing arts with international-scale event production.
• Featured in multiple media outlets and platforms for his contributions to dance and event management, building a reputation as an influential thought leader in performing arts and luxury entertainment.

* Finalist, Dance India Dance Doubles(Zee TV)  
* Collaboration with rapper Raftaar  
* Choreographer for MTV Lycra Style Awards  
* Featured in Bollywood films – ABCD, Jannat 2, Blue Mountains.  
* Judge on Dance Punjabi Dance(PTC)  
* Founder of Dance Era(India) & Universal Alpha Events(UAE)  

Through these achievements, Manik has not only contributed to the Indian entertainment industry but also expanded his impact on a global scale, representing Indian talent in international platforms.

Philanthropy

Manik Bhatheja has actively contributed to the growth of the performing arts by mentoring and training young performers through his venture, 'Dance Era'. His efforts have created opportunities for aspiring dancers and artists to showcase their talent, develop their skills, and build sustainable careers in the industry.

Through workshops, stage productions, and training programs, he has provided a platform where creativity and discipline come together, inspiring the next generation of performers. His philanthropic vision lies in making dance and performing arts more accessible, ensuring that passion-driven individuals receive the guidance and exposure they need to succeed.

Personal Life

Manik Bhatheja married Smriti Bhatheja (Writer/Author and co director Dance Era, Universal Alpha Events) in 2016. The couple has a daughter, Udi Bhatheja, born in 2020. Together, they have collaborated professionally, building Dance Era in India and later moving to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to establish Universal Alpha Events.

Manik Bhatheja Social Media

• Manik Bhatheja-instagram/
• Manik Bhatheja-facebook/
• Manik Bhatheja-youtube/

Universal alpha events Social Media

• officialinstagram/
• officialwhatsapp/

Dance Era Social Media

• officialinstagram/
• officialfacebook/
• officialyoutube/

Dance Era Headoffice

Dlf phase 3, Delhi, India.
Mobile:+91 8860003839, +91 9818206047
Mail:connect.danceera@gmail.com

Universal alpha events Headoffice

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Mail:connect.uaevents@gmail.com
Phone:+971 505703839.

External Links

• officialdanceera/
• officialuae/