https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoDikmSoox4
"Mao's Last Dancer" is the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his
extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to
international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. It compellingly
captures the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs, as well as the
intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile. Here's the story from Wikipedia based from a true story.
In the era of Mao's Cultural Revolution
(in the 60s/70s), 11-year-old Chinese boy Li Cunxin resides in a rural
village commune in Shandong Province, destined to labour in the fields.
As often occurred in those times, government officials fanning out
across the nation seeking young candidates for centralized training
arrive at this school. At first bypassed but selected after a plea by
his teacher during the school visit, Li seems bewildered although piqued
by the gruff preliminary inspection screening at the provincial capital
city of Qingdao. Forwarded to a Beijing audition for a place in Madame
Mao's Dance Academy, he is admitted for ballet training based on a
series of physique and flexibility examinations.
Years of arduous training follow, Li surpassing his initial
lukewarm interest and mediocre performance after inspiration from senior
teacher Chan (whose advocacy of classical Russian ballet as opposed to
the politically aimed, physically strident form required by Madame Mao
leads to the teacher's apparent banishment). Later during the course of a
groundbreaking cultural visit to China, American-based English ballet
director Ben Stevenson, impressed by Li's standout talent, seeks him as an exchange student at his the Houston Ballet.
Li's determined courage garners a formerly disparaging teacher to
influence the Academy to allow him the opportunity for a three-month
stay in the United States.
Li's encounters with US life cause questioning of the Chinese
Communist Party dictates upon which he has been raised, and he begins a
relationship with an aspiring American dancer, Elizabeth Mackey. Quickly
attracting the attention of the local ballet scene, Li together with
Stevenson requests a time extension in America, but the Chinese
government refuses. Overwhelmed by the opportunities offered in America
and in love with Mackey, Li is determined to stay. With legal advice
that the Chinese government would recognize certain residence rights
arising from an international marriage, Li and Mackey rush into a
marriage. To declare personal responsibility for his decision and
hopefully avoid consequences for his family and Stevenson, Li visits the
Chinese Consulate in Houston. The Chinese resident diplomat forcibly
detains Li in an attempt to coerce his return to China. Unknown to Li,
the situation quickly evolves when the media and high level government
agents both in the US and China become involved. When Li perseveres in
his refusal to repatriate, the Chinese Government agrees to release him
but revokes his citizenship and declares he can never return to the land
of his birth.
Li and Elizabeth are set to depart for Florida but Li is
persuaded to stay by Stevenson for his ballet company, dooming
Elizabeth's prospects of dancing success. Burdened by this, plus
concerned for and unable to communicate with his family, Cunxin
continues to excel as a dancer, but his relationship with Elizabeth
disintegrates and their marriage ends. Five years later, as a show of
goodwill the Chinese government allows Li's parents to visit him in the
US where they finally witness his performance of The Rite of Spring
and even reunite with him on stage. Li is eventually granted permission
to visit China. Together with his new wife Mary McKendry (Camilla
Vergotis), an Australian ballerina, and coming back to the village of
his youth, he rejoins his family and his former teacher Chan, who
expresses regret that he never got to see Li perform. Li and McKendry
give an impromptu outdoor ballet performance to the village's uproarious
cheer.
Closing credits announce that:
Li Cunxin danced in China with the Houston Ballet in 1995, a performance
broadcast to an audience of over 500 million people. He and Mary
McKendry now live in Australia with their three children.
Ben Stevenson left the Houston Ballet after 27 years as Artistic
Director. Acclaimed as one of the world's leading choreographers, he is
now Artistic Director of the Texas Ballet Theater.
Charles C. Foster
still practices law in Houston. He is recognized internationally as an
authority on Immigration Law.
Elizabeth Mackey (Liz) danced with the Oklahoma Ballet for some years.
She is now a speech therapist, working mainly with children.
