-
Period: to
Li Cunxin - Mao's Last Dancer
-
Li Cunxin Was Born
Li was born in a poor family, he was the sixth of seven brothers they lived in Qingdoa Province. -
Accepted into Beijing Dance Academy
Li was the weakest and the youngest dancer when he first started. He met a teacher who cared and introduced to western ballet. His passion grew and he trained and he became their best dancer. -
Houston Ballet Tours China
The Houston Ballet were the first company to gain permission tour the Communist country of China. They wanted to take Li back on a scholarship to America. -
Li Comes to America
He studied at the Houston Ballet and became a popular performer. There was an agreement with China that Li would go back in six weeks. He loved the freedom. -
Li Marries and Defects
Li wanted to stay in America so he married his girlfriend Elizabeth Mackey. The Chinese were not happy and tried to kidnap him and send him back to China. -
Divorce
Due to differences in culture and Li's guilt about leaving his family led to divorce. -
Principal Dancer at Houston Ballet and A Visit from his parents
Houston Ballet flew Li's parents to see his first performance as a principal dancer. He hadn't seen or talked to them in six years. -
Married Mary McKendry
Li married Australian ballerina Mary Mackendry -
Aussie Aussie Aussie
Li and Mary moved to Australia where they had 3 children. -
Artisic Director of the Queensland Ballet
-
Queenslander of the Year
Was nominated for Australian of the Year for his work with the Queensland Ballet. -
Li Dances Again
Li is coming out of retirement to perform as Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker.
