Mao's Last Dancer

In the rural Shandong Province, an 11-year-old boy named Li Cunxin finds himself trapped in a monotonous existence during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. The turning point in Li’s life occurs when government officials arrive at his school, propelling him into a remarkable journey. Unexpectedly selected, he is removed from his ordinary surroundings and enters the prestigious Madame Mao’s Dance Academy in Beijing. Initially daunted by the demanding ballet regimen, Li receives invaluable guidance from Chan, a Russian classical ballet enthusiast whose expertise starkly contrasts the ideologically influenced physical performances of the Politburo. Under Chan’s nurturing mentorship, Li’s innate talent flourishes, and he begins to understand the intricacies of ballet.

During a cultural exchange to China, American ballet director Ben Stevenson discovers Li’s remarkable skills and extends an invitation for him to join the Houston Ballet as an exchange student for three transformative months. This opportunity thrusts Li into a conflict with his Communist Party upbringing, leading him to reevaluate the rigid ideologies that have shaped his life. His burgeoning romance with aspiring American dancer Elizabeth Mackey intensifies his longing to stay in the United States.

Despite his aspirations, the Chinese government remains steadfast in its refusal to allow Li to extend his stay. In a daring move, Li marries Mackey, believing that this union will afford him some security from governmental pressure. However, when Li seeks legal advice at the Chinese Consulate in Houston, he is abruptly detained by a diplomat eager to ensure his return to China.

Amid the unfolding international drama, high-ranking government officials from both nations become embroiled in Li’s plight. His unwavering resistance to repatriation eventually leads the Chinese government to release him, but at an immense personal cost: he is stripped of his citizenship, condemned never to return to the land of his birth. As his departure date approaches, Li is faced with a poignant dilemma when Stevenson persuades him to remain and join his prestigious ballet company, a decision that heavily impacts Elizabeth’s dreams and increases the burden of secrets regarding his family back in China. The strain of these choices causes fissures in Li’s marital relationship, leading to a gradual unraveling of his union with Mackey.

Years slip by, and despite Li’s success on stage, his private life is fraught with challenges. Hope finally emerges when the Chinese authorities permit his parents to visit him in the U.S., culminating in a long-awaited reunion where they witness Li’s triumphant performance of The Rite of Spring. This emotional encounter also marks a pivotal moment in Li’s life as he is later granted permission to return to China and reconnect with his family.

Li ventures into a new chapter alongside Mary McKendry, an Australian ballerina, as they journey back to the village that shaped his beginnings. A touching reunion with Chan stirs a mixture of joy and nostalgia, highlighting the missed opportunities to share his artistic journey with his former mentor. In a heartwarming tribute to community and creativity, Li and McKendry perform an impromptu outdoor ballet, earning an enthusiastic reception from the local audience.

As we reflect upon this extraordinary chapter in Li Cunxin’s life, we are inspired by his achievements. By dancing with the Houston Ballet in 1995, he shared his art with an audience of over 500 million people worldwide. Now, Li and Mary McKendry reside in Australia with their three children, while Ben Stevenson continues his legacy as the Artistic Director of the Texas Ballet Theater. Charles C. Foster remains a notable figure in Houston’s legal circles, recognized globally for his expertise in Immigration Law. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Mackey has embraced a new vocation as a speech therapist, focusing on children and drawing from her inspirational journey as a dancer.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:25