Indian techie refuses to dance to 'entertain' clients. Netizens laud him for not being a 'bootlicker'

\Viral Reddit post questions limits of workplace expectations. (AI-generated image)

Workplace expectations often go beyond job descriptions, but how far is too far? A recent viral post has brought this question into focus after an Indian tech professional refused to take part in a dance and fashion walk organised during a client visit. The incident has sparked discussion about professional boundaries and the meaning of “optional” activities at work.

In a now-viral Reddit post titled, “Refused to dance and do a fashion walk during client visit - was I wrong?”, the techie explained that the company was preparing for an upcoming client visit. The schedule included presentations, discussions, product demonstrations and networking, all part of a standard corporate agenda.

However, management also planned what they described as a “fun engagement segment”. “We have an upcoming client visit at our office next week. Standard agenda: presentations, discussions, product demos, networking,” the techie wrote.

Further, the user added, “Today, management shared that along with the formal sessions, they're planning a 'fun engagement segment', solo dance performances, fashion walk, light entertainment to 'impress the client' and show team culture. My senior colleague asked me if I could perform a solo dance.”

The techie said that although they enjoyed dancing, they did not want to entertain clients in a corporate setting and declined the request. The user explained, “I like dancing. I do Bollywood, I enjoy it a lot - but that’s personal. I dance because I enjoy it, not because I want to entertain clients in a corporate setting. I politely refused. Then I was asked if I could at least participate in the fashion walk segment.”

The employee made it clear that they were not criticising colleagues who chose to participate. Instead, they raised concerns about professional boundaries and the meaning of optional activities in the workplace.

The techie went of to explain, “My thought process: I’m hired as a backend developer, not an event performer. Client visits are professional engagements. Optional should mean optional. I don’t like the idea of being a puppet to 'impress' someone. If I want to dance, I’ll dance at a party, wedding, or with friends - not as a corporate display item. I don’t judge anyone who’s participating if they’re comfortable; that’s great. But I don’t like the idea of performing just to create an impression.”

The techie then turned to other users for advice, asking, “Is refusing such activities seen negatively in Indian workplaces? Where do you draw the line between ‘team spirit' and personal boundaries? Would genuinely like to hear how others handle this.”

The post quickly gained attention, with many social media users supporting the decision to refuse. Several commenters questioned the relevance of dance performances and fashion walks during client meetings.

Refused to dance & do a fashion walk during client visit - was I wrong? by u/Marvel_SPideRRMAN in IndianWorkplace

One added, “Lol. I've been in the industry for 16 years and have never seen such absurd client engagement activities. Those in management positions at your company must be a real piece of work. How is a dance/fashion walk going to impress the clients? It isn't anything they haven't seen before.”

Another said, “You did well. You are hired for a development job, not an entertainer. This brown sepoy mindset of these boomer managers will take time to be cured.” One more added, “Anyone who is participating in such events is a certified bootlicker, and has zero self-respect.”

One said, “Your thought process is mature. Glad that you stood by your dignity. Not everyone does that these days when asked by an employer. Idiots like the ones that suggested such activities to 'impress' the client should have taken them to some dance bars. Even then, you impress the client with your work and not such activities. Such morons are the ones who berate our values in the eyes of the world. Wish more people were sensible and spoke out against it when something like this is even suggested in the name of 'fun' activities at 'work'.”

Disclaimer: The above incident has been reported based on an unverified Reddit post. Moneycontrol has not independently verified the claims.