Lei Muzi, a 13-year-old girl from China, has created a historic moment by being the first to debut a Bharatanatyam "Arangetram" in the country. The occurrence on Sunday is a major milestone in the progress of this traditional Indian dance form in the neighbouring nation.
Lei's first solo dance performance was observed by renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson, Indian representatives, and a sizable crowd of Chinese supporters. The show, lasting two hours, showcased Lei performing to multiple classical songs with musicians brought in from Chennai.
T S Vivekanand, the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy overseeing cultural affairs, emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that it marked the debut Arangetram in China by a student who had been extensively trained. Shruti Rawat, the spouse of the Indian Ambassador, served as the main guest at the event.
Lei Muzi has been studying Bharatanatyam for over ten years at a studio owned by Jin, who is a skilled Bharatanatyam performer and had her own Arangetram in New Delhi in 1999. Jin shared her pride in her student's accomplishments and pointed out how their bond has grown stronger over the years through their shared passion for dance.
The Arangetram, the graduation ceremony in Bharatanatyam, is a pivotal milestone for dancers. It represents their first show in front of teachers, experts, and audience members. Students can only perform by themselves or train aspiring dancers after they finish the Arangetram.
This occasion illustrates the increasing fame of Indian classical dance genres in China. Lei's Arangetram is a ground-breaking moment and important achievement in cultural exchange between China and India for Chinese enthusiasts of Indian classical art who devote themselves to studying and presenting these dance styles.
Lei Muzi is scheduled to perform in Chennai later this month, further strengthening the cultural ties between India and China through the medium of dance.
