Where is Li Cunxin now?
Li Cunxin AO (born 26 January 1961) is a Chinese-Australian former ballet dancer turned stockbroker. He is currently the artistic director of the Queensland Ballet in Brisbane, Australia.
When was Li Cunxin born?
January 26, 1961 (age 60 years)
Li Cunxin/Date of birth
How old is Cunxin?
60 years (January 26, 1961)
Li Cunxin/Age
When did Li Cunxin defect from China?
1981
Li defected from China as a young dancer in 1981 before later becoming a cultural diplomat. As a student he endured gruelling daily nine-hour lessons at Beijing’s Dance Academy, memories he relived while visiting the ballet school this week.
Did Li Cunxin see his parents again?
Cunxin has been back to China regularly to see his parents and six brothers. He was Australian Father of the Year in 2009. “My children love China, especially the big capital cities, Shanghai, Beijing and they feel alive when they go back because China is emerging, happening, changing so quickly,” he said.
Why is Li Cunxin famous?
Li went on to win two prestigious silver medals at two separate International Ballet competitions for America. In addition, he was the principal dancer with the Houston Ballet and the Australian Ballet for over 20 years and was considered to be one of the best dancers in the world.
Did Li Cunxin parents go to America?
He has made peace with his government, so much so that last year they allowed his parents to go to America to see him dance.
Who went to America with Li Cunxin?
That was the turning point from hating ballet, being lazy to really becoming a standout at the end of seven years of training. Teacher Xiao and Ben Stevenson, the artistic director of the Houston Ballet who became my mentor when I went to America, these two were most influential in my becoming an artist.
Why did Mary Li stop dancing?
When she told me she had decided to stop dancing to care for Sophie, I lost my balance. “What also deeply disturbed Mary and myself was the thought that our daughter would never be able to hear music, which, as dancers, was everything to us.”