Lei Muzi, a 13-year-old student, has etched her name into the annals of history by making a groundbreaking solo Bharatanatyam debut in China, creating a significant milestone in the adaptation and appreciation of this ancient Indian dance form within the neighboring country.
With the audience holding its breath on Sunday, August 11, Lei captivated a sea of spectators that included the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson and distinguished Indian diplomats. The event took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Chinese admirers, marking a cultural confluence like never before.
The event was nothing short of historical for ardent Chinese aficionados of Indian classical arts and dance forms, individuals who have devoted years, if not decades, to learning and performing these intricate and expressive traditions. Lei’s performance was celebrated as the first-ever ‘Arangetram’ ceremony held in China, further cementing its place in the global map for this highly revered South Indian dance style.
In the lexicon of Bharatanatyam, ‘Arangetram’ signifies the dancer’s debut performance on stage. This debut performance is a vital formal introduction before one’s teachers, experts, and of course, the audience. It is only upon completion of this crucial milestone that students are granted the ability to perform independently or even teach aspiring dancers.
“This is the first-ever Arangetram by a student fully trained in China and performed in China,” said T S Vivekanand, the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy, who oversees cultural activities and was present at the occasion. In his statement to PTI, he emphasized the traditional rigour and authenticity that defined the event.
Echoing this sentiment, Jin Shan Shan, a prominent Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer and Lei’s mentor, described the moment as a landmark achievement. “Lei’s Arangetram is the first time that Chinese students trained by a Chinese teacher have completed in China, which is a landmark in the history of Bharatanatyam inheritance,” she noted with pride.
The chief guest of the event was Shruti Rawat, wife of the Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat, adding a touch of diplomatic gravitas to the already prestigious ceremony. The performance, which spanned two hours, saw Lei executing a series of classical numbers to an overwhelmingly positive reception from the crowd. To ensure a seamless and authentic musical experience, a team of seasoned musicians were flown in from Chennai.
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Lei’s journey into Bharatanatyam began over a decade ago at Jin’s dance school. Jin herself has a notable history, having been the first accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer who held her Arangetram in 1999 in New Delhi. Jin was among several Chinese students trained by the eminent Chinese dancer Zhang Jun, bridging the cultural gap between the two nations through the medium of dance.
Also known as ‘Dudu’, Lei shared her profound love for Bharatanatyam, which began when she joined Jin’s school in 2014. “I completely fell in love with it. I kept dancing till now. For me, Bharatanatyam is not only a beautiful art and dance form but also the embodiment of Indian culture,” she expressed in her conversation with PTI. She emphasized the grace and beauty of the art form, along with her deep interest in Indian culture, which has now become an intrinsic part of her daily life.
Jin, who is widely recognized across both China and India for her numerous Bharatanatyam performances, beamed with pride at her student’s accomplishment. “Bharatanatyam has brought us close together. For ten years, Lei has come to my home every weekend to attend classes, which not only let me witness her growth but also made us family,” she emotionally noted. Jin reminisced about her own Arangetram under the tutelage of her guru, Leela Samson, drawing parallels between her own journey and that of her student.
Sunday’s Arangetram wasn’t just a performance; it was a festival for Jin and those in attendance. The event exemplified how art forms can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, fostering a deeper cultural understanding and appreciation between different nations. As for Lei, she is slated to perform in Chennai later this month, taking another significant step in her blossoming dance career.
