In the March issue of Dance Europe, find my interview with the legendary Li Cunxin, whose extraordinary life is recounted in the memoir and film both titled ‘Mao’s Last Dancer.’ I caught up with Li in Brisbane, the home of Queensland Ballet, which he is on a mission to turn into a world-class company.
Li Cunxin (Photo: Eduardo Vieira)
In our wide-ranging conversation, we talked about his parents, about the ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ exhibit at the Museum of Brisbane (which is running through April 29), and about his plans for the company. I asked him what he considers the most heartening and disheartening developments in the ballet world. And he shared some insights from coaching which he received from Margot Fonteyn while he was dancing at Houston Ballet in the 1980’s. Click here to read the interview in the March edition (behind a paywall) or to order a print copy. Or pick one up at your local performing arts newsstand.
Li flew off to the Prix de Lausanne the next day, but I stuck around and gatecrashed company class and rehearsals at Queensland Ballet that week. The company is about to unveil a brand-new production of La Bayadère and choreographer Greg Horsman and principal répétiteur Mary McKendry Li were putting the dancers through their paces. Click here for details and tickets.
Mary McKendry and Li Cunxin in Ben Stevenson’s Sleeping Beauty (Photo courtesy Queensland Ballet)
Queensland Ballet ballet mistress and principal répétiteur Mary McKendry Li with Libby-Rose Neiderer (Photo: David Kelly)
Camilo Ramos and Neneka Yoshida in Swan Lake rehearsals at Queensland Ballet (Photo: David Kelly)
Li in class at Queensland Ballet (Photo: Eduardo Vieira)
