Chinese Teen Makes History with Indian Dance

Mastering a dance from a faraway country and becoming the first person in your homeland to perform it on stage. That’s exactly what 13-year-old Lei Muzi did, making history in China with an Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam.

Bharatanatyam is an ancient dance form from Tamil Nadu, India, known for its graceful movements, expressive hand gestures, and intricate footwork. Dancers often wear colorful costumes with ankle bells that jingle as they move. Lei’s big moment came during a ceremony called an “Arangetram,” which is like a graduation for Bharatanatyam dancers. Here, they show off their skills in front of an audience for the first time.

Lei’s journey to this historic moment wasn’t easy. She’s been learning Bharatanatyam for almost ten years under the guidance of Jin Shan Shan, a pioneering figure in bringing this art form to China. Jin runs a dedicated Bharatanatyam school where Lei has been a student since 2014. Every weekend, Lei would go to Jin’s home for intensive lessons, building a bond that goes beyond just teacher and student.

Jin herself has an inspiring story. She became the first Chinese dancer to complete her own Arangetram in 1999 in New Delhi, India. Her passion for Bharatanatyam led her to establish her school in China, where she’s been nurturing talents like Lei for years. Jin’s dedication to spreading this art form in China has paved the way for a new generation of dancers.

What makes Lei’s achievement even more special is that she’s the first student to complete an Arangetram after being fully trained in China by a Chinese teacher. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of Bharatanatyam in China, with many people eager to learn about Indian culture through movement and music.

Lei’s performance is more than just a personal achievement. It shows how art can bring different cultures together. By mastering a dance from India, Lei has become a bridge between two ancient civilizations. Her passion for Bharatanatyam goes beyond just dancing. She says, “For me, it is not only a beautiful art and dance form but also the embodiment of Indian culture.”

With young dancers like Lei leading the way and dedicated teachers like Jin fostering this cultural exchange, we might see even more artistic collaboration between countries in the years to come. Lei’s story reminds us that with dedication, great teaching, and an open mind, we can learn amazing things from cultures different from our own. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to try learning a new art form from another part of the world!

Bidisha Ghosh, Staff Reporter