News and Events
A Very Special Dinner with Li Cunxin - Mao's Last Dancer
What a night this was! 300 people were privileged to meet Li and enjoy his presentation. Li was himself a sponsor to the event, the purpose of which was to raise funds in support of an Aquatic Centre in Bacchus Marsh. He opened up his address by talking about the journey each of us travel, and the destiny that he has fulfilled. His childhood in China, as the sixth of seven sons was vastly different to what most of us have experienced. Born into bitter poverty in a rural community Li's life looked destined to be characterised by hunger. He affectionately recalls his parents efforts to care for the family ... “We're not hungry, you go ahead and eat!” ... they would often say, so their children would not die of starvation, a common occurance in China during the early 60's. |  |  “When the heart weeps, the spirit dreams” |
Keep going: the fable of the little frog, who didn’t believe that a bigger and better world out there. Although he tried and tried, he didn’t accomplish the dream. He gave up hope. For Li, in the mi.... of snow, hunger, despair, he didn’t give up hope!
Ballet? No music, cinema, live performance, so ballet was not understood, through the clothing for warmth, Li was overlooked by the talent scouts in pursuit of suitable students for ballet. It was his teacher, who singled Li out...I still don’t know why she says!
Opportunities today are boundless, we waste them, but that opportunity for Li continues to be treasured. Entry to ballet school brought it own challenges, discomfort, embarrassment (excruciating pain... both hamstrings were damaged). Such was the opportunity, Li said this doesn’t hurt, I’m on a journey.
For 7 years, as an 11 years old, Li travelled the path of training, discipline, loneliness. One amazing teacher, changed the scene: found the passion that bring out the best we’re all capable of. Destination, motivation, ambition was born.
Work, work harder, work harder and harder. Small stepping stones to success led to satisfaction, to realisation of the dream and graduated at the top of the class in 1979. This was not God-given talent: success is the result at sacrifice, dedication, determination.
At age 18, Li couldn’t speak a word of English, so his readiness for his visit to USA was short and sweet. “Oh dear me” and “Upon my soul” were useful!!
Representing one billion Chinese, Li was tutored on his role in Public Relations. The dream was unreal in term of flying in an aeroplane, observing a rich society with boundless opportunities, enjoying the best Chinese food he’d ever tasted!!
A true culture-shock.
Li came to the realisation that everything is possible with a dream and a hard work. When he left the Chinese Consulate in USA as a free man. At that moment however, the link to China was severed. The pain, guilt and worry was incredible for Li. It was by the effort of the President Bush that Li’s family come to USA. Every effort was made by the Director and others to have Li’s present at the Opening Night.
Over 2000 performances have been performed but this one with his family present is remembered with such clarity and import. Tears, a treasured time, the most special time of his life.
Li met a special dance partner; to become his life partner. Mary and Li recognised this special chemistry, married, and had Sophie the “stars and sunlight” of their lives. Mary relinquished her professional ballet career to work tirelessly with Sophie who was diagnosed as totally deaf. At year 11, Sophie wanted to do dance! No! The delicacy, the relationship between movement and sound but Sophie graduated 4th highest in the State. Again, passion and work result in success.
Three different book offers have been put to Li, but Graham ----, an author of ch.... books who encouraged Li to promote to others to reach for the stars. Mary is sick and tired of the life story revisited, and so Li wrote 680,000 words which were reduced to 125,000 words in his book.
In 2003, the book was published and has become an international best seller.
We all need, value and learn from the inspiration of the human spirit.
Jane Scott is now authorised, to produce a film-screen play of Li’s journey. Bruce Beresford is to direct a film. Filming in China is complete, then Australia, and finally USA.
This time next year, you can see the story on the silver screen.
- Seize opportunities
- Hurdles represent opportunities
- Never give in
- Never say No
- Self doubt is our worst enemy
↑ Top
Previous page: Homepage
Next page: Fundraising Golf Day - Friday 28th November