Chinese Girl, 13, Makes History with ‘Arangetram’ Performance in China

Beijing:

A 13-year-old Chinese girl made history by presenting Bharatanatyam “Arangetram” in China, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the ancient Indian dance form that is gaining popularity in the neighboring nation.

Lei Muzi unveiled her individual dance debut here on Sunday in the presence of the renowned Bharatanatyam performer Leela Samson, Indian representatives, and a large group of Chinese admirers.

For enthusiastic Chinese enthusiasts of Indian classical art and dance genres who dedicated their lives to studying and performing them for years, her debut was a historic moment and a significant achievement as it marked the first-ever “Arangetram” – the graduation ceremony of Bharatnatyam – in China.

For the artists of the ancient dance from Southern India, Arangetram, as it is known in Tamil, signifies their debut showcase on stage before instructors, specialists, and the audience.

Only after Arangetram are the learners permitted to perform independently or mentor aspiring dancers.

“This is the premiere Arangetram by a student completely trained in China and executed in China,” remarked T S Vivekanand, the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy supervising cultural affairs who graced the occasion.

It was a meticulously conducted Arangetram in a highly conventional manner, he informed PTI here.

“Lei’s Arangetram is the initial instance where Chinese students mentored by a Chinese educator have concluded in China, marking a breakthrough in the legacy of Bharatanatyam,” observed Chinese Bharatanatyam performer Jin Shan Shan, who coached Lei.

Shruti Rawat, the spouse of Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat, was the chief invitee at Lei’s Arangetram.

The gathering was filled with fans who energetically applauded her throughout the two-hour-long exhibition during which she performed to various classical compositions.

In addition to Leela Sampson, a band of musicians flown in from Chennai sang the classical tunes for Lei’s presentation.

She is set to perform in Chennai later this month.

Lei received training for over a decade at the Bharatanatyam institution managed by Jin, who herself was the pioneer accomplished Bharatanatyam artist to have conducted her Arangetram in 1999 in New Delhi.

Jin was among the numerous Chinese disciples mentored by prominent Chinese dancer Zhang Jun.

Lei, also known as Dudu, mentioned that she developed a passion for Bharatanatyam when she enrolled at 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 to PTI.

“This captivates me immensely, along with the stunning and graceful movements during a dance piece. In general, I have a profound adoration for Bharatanatyam. It has become a routine for me, and I am genuinely intrigued by Indian culture,” she stated.

Jin, a renowned figure in China and India who has staged numerous performances, expressed her pride in witnessing one of her students complete her Arangetram.

“Bharatanatyam has brought us together. For a decade, Lei has visited my residence every weekend for classes, which not only allowed me to witness her development but also forged a familial bond between us,” she remarked.

“It evokes memories of how my mentor, Leela Samson, guided me during my Arangetram,” she added.

Sunday’s Arangetram is a celebration for us, Jin remarked.