Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Yan Xiaotian) news: Xinjiang is known as a land of song and dance, where women exhibit graceful and elegant movements while men showcase powerful and agile dance styles. They use their bodies to express passion, boldness, and delicacy. For Mayira Amatjan, dance is her life.

On June 16, 2024, at an evening celebration event organized by the autonomous region for the Corban Festival, one of the major festivals of Muslims in China, Mayira brought a visual feast for the audience with her dance 'A Lovely Rose'. Under the spotlight, she gracefully danced to the rhythm of the music. Accompanied by drum beats, her agile and lively footsteps and cheerful body language showcased the charm and elegance of a young dancer.

Photo taken on June 16, 2024 shows Mayira Amatjan in performance at the evening celebration event for the Corban Festival, one of the major festivals of Muslims in China. (Photo courtesy of Mayira Amatjan)

Mayira was born in 1987. Growing up in a land that leaves an impression that everyone can sing and dance from a young age, whenever she hears a song she likes, she would spontaneously dance along to the rhythms of the music. From a very young age, a seed was planted deep in her heart - the desire to shine on stage.

When she was in the fifth grade, dancer Halqam Sidik held auditions in Xinjiang. With outstanding appearance and exceptional talent, Mayira caught the attention of the recruiters. They asked her, “Do you like dancing? Are you willing to go to Beijing to learn dancing?” Without hesitation, she replied, “Off course, I am.” And so at just the age of 11, she went to Beijing to be a professional dancer all alone.

Besides immersing herself in rigorous professional courses, for Mayira, who had never been away from her parents before, she also had to overcome the longing for her parents. “In my first dance class in Beijing, I realized that professional dancing requires practicing basic skills and techniques, as well as learning about different ethnic cultures.” For starting late with learning fundamental skills, she cried and felt unconfident about herself despite of her talent. However, strong-willed Mayira never gave up. With the guidance of the instructor Halqam Sidik, as well as her own exceptional talent and dedication, Mayira has laid a robust groundwork for her flourishing career as a professional dancer.

“At first, she was like a blank sheet of paper, knowing nothing and being very afraid. But she had great perseverance and a clear direction,” said Halqam.

From an early age, Mayira's passion for dance propelled her towards a professional career as a dancer. Through her relentless dedication, unwavering perseverance, and tireless efforts, she has successfully transformed her aspirations into tangible achievements with boundless enthusiasm and unshakeable self-assurance.

After graduation, Mayira was admitted to the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater. After working for several months, driven by her love for her hometown and Xinjiang folk songs and dances, Mayira ultimately chose to return to Xinjiang and became a dancer at the Xinjiang Art Theater's dance troupe.

In the first few years after joining the troupe, she was just a temporary dancer, but she would practice in the classroom every day, waiting for an opportunity to perform on stage.

By chance, the dance troupe was invited to perform outside Xinjiang and they were short of one performer. Mayira seized this opportunity and participated in four out of eight performances during the evening show. “ven though I was placed at the back row where I could be hardly seen, I was still very happy to be able to perform on stage,” she said, adding that it also boosted her confidence.

At the evening celebration event for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Mayira took on the role of lead dancer in 'Stone Dance'. Amidst melodious music, girls dressed in red skirts moved gracefully with delicate steps and swift spins resembling blooming flowers. She shone brightly, becoming the center of attention for both the audience and photographers.

Afterwards, Mayira achieved the Silver and Bronze awards for individual performances in the Chinese dance "Lotus Award" selection. She has also won numerous Tianshan Art Awards and titled outstanding winner at the 3rd Xinjiang Dance Competition. Her representative works include "Stone Dance," "Swan," and "Desert Flower." She has performed in over 30 countries and regions such as Germany, Norway, and Sweden, showcasing Chinese dance with rich cultural connotations to the world.

In 2024, at the Kashi sub-venue for the 2024 Spring Festival Gala, Mayira served as the lead dancer for the group dance 'Zhula', where dozens of beautiful and graceful girls appeared in uniform costumes, showcasing the beauty and confidence of women in Xinjiang in the new era.

Now, Mayira has a very clear vision for the future and will focus primarily on the innovative development of ethnic dance. “Dance is my life, and it has never changed in all these years. I am fortunate and happy because through my dance, audience can see the charming beauty of Xinjiang. It is this land that has been giving me inspiration and strength for my dancing,” said Mayira.

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