„Mao’s Last Dancer“ Shares His Life in Upcoming Film

Li Cunxin was just 11 years old when he was handpicked to train at Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy.

While his family had been living under Mao Zedong’s regime in extreme poverty in northern Shandong province, Li did not want to move to Beijing.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“I was very afraid. I especially did not want to leave my parents, because I had their love at home, even though we went hungry. But to take that first step to Beijing, where I didn’t know anyone, and had to learn ballet, I had no idea what ballet was. In the first couple of years I didn’t dance well, I really didn’t like ballet, and found it particularly boring.”

But an inspirational teacher sparked Li’s passion that would go on to change his life—pushing him to train when others rested.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“From 5 o’clock in the morning, I’d put heavy sandbags on my legs, and jumped with one leg up and down four flights of stairs. When everyone was sleeping, I’d find my way through the dark into the classroom, I didn’t dare turn the lights on in case I’d be found and be put back to bed. I’d light a candle, and with the candle light, I’d do my spins.”

His perseverance led him to become one of the best dancers in China. He was also one of the first two cultural exchange students allowed to study in America under Mao’s regime.

The trip abroad opened Li’s eyes, leading to a new yearning within him.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“The freedom in western society surprised me the most, I felt that if I could pursue my art under this free environment, dance to my heart’s content, and did not have to be involved in politics or have political lessons, I felt that my art would make breakthroughs in leaps and bounds.”

In 1981, three days before he was due to return to China, Li decided to stay behind. It sparked a 21-hour long international incident which left him locked up in the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“I felt at that time my life was hanging by an extremely thin thread, which could break at any moment, and then my life could not be saved.”

The defection made headlines in the U.S. Eventually Li walked out of the consulate a free man.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“I feel that to be able to live through those 21 hours, and be free afterwards, I thought it was remarkable, something very surprising.”

With the passion and determination to pursue his career with newfound freedom, Li became one of the best ballet dancers in the world. Now Li lives in Australia with his family, managing a top stock broking firm.

Li’s eventful life was made into a film based on his autobiography “Mao’s Last Dancer.” It will be playing in movie theaters across the U.S starting on August 20.

NTD News, New York.

Foto: NTDTV