Mao’s Last Dancer Li Cunxin on his long-awaited follow-up: ‘I don’t think my publisher expected it to take 14 years!’
As The Lucky Son picks up where Cunxin’s 2003 memoir left off, the renowned Chinese Australian ballet dancer reflects on sacrifices made by his wife, his years at a stockbroker, and his success leading the Queensland Ballet
TL;DR
- Li Cunxin's second memoir, The Lucky Son, follows his life after Mao's Last Dancer, covering his move to Houston Ballet, his wife Mary's sacrifices for their deaf daughter Sophie, and his own career changes.
- The book explores family dynamics, China's societal changes, and Cunxin's leadership at Queensland Ballet, where he implemented significant improvements.
- Cunxin learned valuable business skills as a stockbroker, which aided his return to the ballet world and his fundraising efforts.
- Despite health challenges, Cunxin and Mary are enjoying a slower pace of life, and he reflects on the importance of ballet's artistry in connecting people.