Feature: Chinese dance resonates with Kenyan youth as cross-cultural ties gain strength

Kenyan Ruth Kimani's mastery of Chinese classical dance was evident as she strode to the stage to perform a love ballad that electrified the audience who packed the University of Nairobi auditorium on Friday afternoon.

The 20-year-old's agility, style and creativity have boosted her grasp of different genres of Chinese music and dance to the bewilderment of her peers and tutors.

Born in a suburban town 20 kilometers east of Nairobi, Kimani cherished music and dance since childhood and was convinced this vocation heralded immense therapeutic and financial rewards.

The mandarin student at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute since January this year has become a household name for her quick mastery of Chinese folk, classical and modern dance.

During an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of a lecture on Chinese dance held at the University of Nairobi, Kimani said rigorous practice, passion and commitment are behind her mastery of a dance renowned for its sentimentality.

"I developed an instant love for the Chinese dance after joining the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute early this year. We conduct regular practice sessions with the tutors and I can confidently say Chinese dance is easier to master if one has the passion," said Kimani.

She is pursuing a Bachelors degree in economics and statistics at the University of Nairobi and took up Chinese language out of curiosity to gain understanding of China.

Like many Kenyan youth who grew up in rural towns, Kimani had limited exposure to Chinese culture and only learnt it through Kungfu movies and oral literature.

When she was a teenager, Kimani's father started working for a Chinese company and that is when her passion for Chinese language and culture peaked.

"My interaction with Chinese people climaxed later in my teenage years courtesy of my father who worked for a Chinese firm. At the University, I decided to give Chinese language a try aware that it would open many opportunities in future," Kimani told Xinhua.

She has participated in many Chinese dance competitions and look forward to pursue this discipline for the long haul.

Chinese music and dance have elicited unusual interest among Kenyan youth owing to their sentimentality and methodical rhythms.

Tabitha Ndunge, a 22-year-old mandarin student at the University of Nairobi said Chinese dance is entertaining and therapeutic at the same time.

Ndunge enrolled in Chinese dance lessons three weeks ago but has quickly mastered it thanks to extraordinary agility and intensive practice.

"Chinese dance is interesting and differs from African dance in many areas. Unlike African dance which is vigorous, Chinese dance is slow and methodical," said Ndunge.

On stage, her mastery of Chinese folk dance was on display yet it took her few hours of practice.

Eager to gain understanding of an ancient civilization, Kenyan youth's passion for Chinese language, music and dance is currently at an all time high.

At the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute, 25 students have taken up Chinese dance lessons with zeal.

Hu Xiang Lin, a teacher at the Confucius Institute said it took little nudging for students to join the dance club where all genres of Chinese music and dance are taught.

"We have a dance class every Thursday in the afternoon and the number of students keen to join us has grown. The dance lessons are open to any student who has an interest," said Hu.

Compared to their counterparts from other African countries, Kenyan youth have raised the bar in their grasp of Chinese music and dance. Hu noted her students require little effort to master different types of Chinese songs and dance.

"The students have energy and passion and their prowess in Chinese music and dance has improved thanks to regular competition," Hu said.

She added the students have participated in performances within and outside the University of Nairobi where their skills were honed further.

Kenyan youth who for decades were accustomed to African dance that is vigorous and involves a lot of body shaking, clapping and ululating find Chinese dance a welcome alternative.

Caroline Wafula, an international relations graduate currently enrolled at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute hailed Chinese dance owing to its sentimental and therapeutic richness.

"Chinese dance is all about mastering steps and certain moves. It has a particular rhythm and is easy to practice," said Wafula.

She has participated in many festivals where her mastery of Chinese music and dance improved drastically. Enditem