Mao’s last dancer’s last dance nearly killed him
It was the final hurrah for the man known as Mao’s Last Dancer, who came out of retirement after 18 years for one last shot at glory. Here’s how you can relive it.
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It sounded like fun, but Li Cunxin’s return to the stage after an 18-year hiatus hurt like hell. The artistic director of Queensland Ballet, Li is internationally renowned as Mao’s Last Dancer, the title of his best selling memoir, which was also a hit Hollywood film.
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His sensational defection to the West from communist China as a young man, and his prowess as a dancer, made him an international ballet superstar.
And we are lucky to have him here in Queensland.
There was great excitement when it was announced that he would take to the stage again for one night only in Queensland Ballet’s 2017 production of The Nutcracker, a ballet the company does every year as a Christmas tradition.
That special event at QPAC caused quite a buzz and is recalled in Christmas in July: The Nutcracker, which screens on Nine and 9Now this weekend.
The program, which will also celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary this year, goes behind the scenes and features interviews with dancers, and excerpts from the ballet including Li’s star turn in the role of Herr Drosselmeyer, godfather of lead Clara, danced in that production by rising star Mia Heathcote.
The Nutcracker is a ballet about a girl’s magical adventure and it is famous for characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and for Tchaikovsky’s famous score.
Li Cunxin, now 59, remembers it all like it was yesterday, for a very good reason.
“Because it was so much harder than I thought it would be,” he says.
“I thought all the injuries I got when I was dancing had healed, but 18 years after I retired I came back and so did the injuries.
“I was in pain for a whole week and had to use heat packs and ice packs on my calves. It was tough but it was also very special.
“And when I came on stage it was quite surreal ... it was like time stood still and my body just started relating to the music and it was all still there.”
Li’s wife and former dance partner Mary, who hails from Rockhampton, was also on stage in a minor role, and that made the evening extra special.
And people flew in from interstate for the event, which was introduced by actor David Wenham.
The company had the foresight to film it, and the entire ballet can be seen on 9Now in connection with the documentary-style presentation of Mao’s Last Dancer’s last dance – the one the nearly killed him.
Senior soloist Mia Heathcote, 24, is one of the dancers interviewed for the program.
“We’re not doing The Nutcracker this year, which seems kind of strange,” Heathcote says. “But it will be nice to recall this production.
“Having Li on stage with us was good fun.
“He worked so hard and he was very determined so it was a special performance.”
Heathcote has been recovering from an injury during lockdown spent with her partner, fellow dancer Victor Estevez. She says she can’t wait to dance on stage again.
Queensland Ballet postponed season 2020 and moved it to 2021 leaving ballet fans bereft. But this weekend at least they can see our state company perform and watch Li Cunxin’s final performance.
And to get in the mood Li donned his old costume for a photo and some suggested he might want to reprise it but he is adamant that it was a one-off.
So enjoy the program and Mao’s Last Dancer’s last dance because he says it will never happen again.
Christmas in July: The Nutcracker is on Nine at 4pm this Saturday, July 25. The full performance of The Nutcracker will be available on 9Now