13-year-old Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer creates history, performs in first Arangetram

Lei Muji, a 13-year-old Chinese student, created history by performing Bharatanatyam. The Indian dance style is gaining popularity in the neighboring country. This performance is being seen as a milestone in the journey of the ancient dance style.

Lei performed in front of renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson, Indian diplomats, and a large number of Chinese audience here on Sunday. It was a historic moment for the Chinese people to learn Indian classical arts and dance styles, as it was the first 'Arangetram' (convocation of Bharatanatyam) in China.

The artists of this ancient dance of South India first give their first performance on stage in front of the audience, teachers, and experts. Only after the Arangetram, the student is allowed to perform himself or train people who wish to dance.

T.S. Vivekananda, Secretary (First) in charge of cultural affairs of the Indian Embassy, ​​​​present at the program, said, this is the first Arangetram trained and presented completely in China. He said that it was done in a very traditional way.

At the same time, Jin Shan, a Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer who trained Lei, said, that Lei's Arangetram is the first such training, that has been completed by a Chinese student in China by a Chinese teacher. This is a milestone in the journey of Bharatanatyam. Shruti Rawat, wife of Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat, was the chief guest at the program.

A large number of spectators participated in this program. The audience encouraged the students during the two-hour-long performance. The students danced to many classical songs during this time. Apart from Leela Samson, a team of musicians from Chennai also came here. Lei is going to perform in Chennai at the end of this month.