We bring you a story of a man with a life of passion, self-determination and perseverance. Born into poverty in Northern China, Li Cunxin later became one of the world’s top ballet dancers. His life’s journey, as recounted in his autobiography, “Mao’s Last Dancer,” was made into a film that will be showing across the United States. He tells us about his life and the challenges he faced.

Li Cunxin was just 11 years old when he was handpicked to train at Madame Mao's Beijing Dance Academy.

While his family had been living under Mao Zedong’s regime in extreme poverty in Northern Shandong province, Li did not want to move to Beijing.

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But an inspirational teacher sparked Li’s passion that would go on to change his life—pushing him to train when others rested.

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His perseverance led him to become one of the best dancers in China. He was also one of the first two cultural exchange students allowed to study in America under Mao’s regime.

The trip abroad opened Li’s eyes, leading to a new yearning within him.

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In 1981, three days before he was due to return to China, Li decided to stay behind. It sparked a 21-hour long international incident which left him locked up in the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Texas.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“I felt at that time my life was hanging by an extremely thin thread, which could break at any moment, and then my life could not be saved.”

The defection made headlines in the U.S. Eventually, Li walked out of the consulate a free man.

[Li Cunxin, Author of “Mao’s Last Dancer”]:
“I feel that to be able to live through those 21 hours, and be free afterwards, I thought it was remarkable, something very surprising.”

With the passion and determination to pursue his career with newfound freedom, Li became one of the best ballet dancers in the world. Now Li lives in Australia with his family, managing a top stock broking firm.

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NTD News, New York.