Li Cunxin celebrates the power of art

Li Cunxin danced his way out of poverty and to freedom, and is now helping other dancers realise their dreams.

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin. Picture: Russell Shakespeare

Li Cunxin danced his way out of poverty and to freedom, and is now helping other dancers realise their dreams.

As artistic director of the Queensland Ballet, Li says he wants to help his dancers realise their artistic potential so they can make a difference to society.

“I think ballet and other artforms are life-changing, and such a positive influence,” he said. “When you add the magical element of beauty and take people on a journey­, you give society a certain sophistication. I think that’s where the power of art truly lies.”

Li, also known as Mao’s Last Dancer for his remarkable memoir­ of growing up in China, is made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to the arts as a dancer and artistic director.

Mao’s Last Dancer has been studied in schools and was made into a film by Bruce Beresford.

Li said he continued to receive letters and messages from people inspired by his story.

He said he was also seen as a role model within Australia’s Chin­ese community. “Being an Asian, to have achieved this kind of success in a foreign country, is just so difficult, it’s never easy, any kind of ­success,” he said.

“It’s not your native country, you have to learn the language, you have to adapt to a new culture and make it work — not just make it work, make a success of it.

“That success has given other people the courage to make their lives successful.”

Li says he remains committed to the Queensland Ballet.