In a significant cultural milestone for Indian classical dance, 13-year-old Lei Muzi from China has made history by becoming the first Chinese student to perform Bharatanatyam's "Arangetram" in China. This event marks a significant milestone in the journey of the ancient Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam, which is steadily gaining popularity in the neighboring country. 

Lei's debut performance on Sunday, witnessed by renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson, Indian diplomats, and a large audience of Chinese enthusiasts, symbolizes the deepening cultural ties between India and China. 

What is Arangetram?

Arangetram, which translates to "ascending the stage" in Tamil, is an important milestone for students of Bharatanatyam. It is their first solo performance, marking the culmination of years of rigorous training. This debut on stage is not just a rite of passage but also signifies the dancer's readiness to perform independently or even to train others in the art form. For Lei Muzi, this Arangetram was not only a personal achievement but also a historic event, as it was the first of its kind to be fully trained and performed within China.

The Making of a Dancer: Lei Muzi's Journey

Lei Muzi, also known as Dudu, began her Bharatanatyam training in 2014 at the Bharatanatyam school run by Jin Shan Shan, a prominent Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer. Jin herself had a similar journey, having been trained by the Chinese dancer Zhang Jun and later by Leela Samson in India. Lei's training spanned over a decade, during which she developed a deep passion for the dance form.

"I completely fell in love with Bharatanatyam from the moment I joined Jin's school," Lei shared. "For me, Bharatanatyam is not just a beautiful art form, but it also embodies the essence of Indian culture. The graceful movements and the deep cultural significance of each dance item fascinated me. It has become a daily part of my life, and my interest in Indian culture continues to grow."

A Teacher's Pride

For Jin Shan Shan, Lei’s Arangetram was a proud moment, not only as a teacher but also as a cultural bridge between China and India. Jin, who was the first accomplished Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer to hold her Arangetram in New Delhi in 1999, expressed her joy in seeing one of her students achieve this milestone.

Jin reflected on how Bharatanatyam had brought them closer together, noting that Lei had been coming to her home every weekend for classes over the past ten years. She mentioned that she had not only witnessed Lei's growth as a dancer but had also formed a deep bond with her that felt like family. Jin remarked that the moment reminded her of her own journey and how her guru, Leela Samson, had guided her during her Arangetram, adding that the day’s event felt like a festival to them.

The performance was attended by a large crowd of Chinese fans, who cheered Lei on as she danced to several classical numbers. The presence of Leela Samson, along with a team of musicians flown in from Chennai, added to the authenticity and grandeur of the event.

T S Vivekanand, the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy in charge of culture, attended the event and praised the traditional conduct of the Arangetram. “This is the first-ever Arangetram by a student fully trained and performed in China. It is a landmark moment in the history of Bharatanatyam’s growth in the country,” he said.

Lei is set to perform in Chennai later this month, furthering her journey in Bharatanatyam and continuing to serve as a cultural ambassador between China and India.

Lei Muzi’s successful Arangetram is more than just a personal achievement; it represents the growing interest in Bharatanatyam and Indian classical arts among the Chinese people. With cultural exchanges like these, the bond between the two nations continues to strengthen, offering a shared appreciation of each other’s rich traditions.