The Chinese Lin Cunxin is one of the World's most celebrated ballet performers. I knew nothing about him but during his speech of nearly one hour, i had tears in my eyes. Born in an extremely poor rural family in 1961, the Maoist China of that era was a definite terrible episode that lasted for many decades.
Li Cunxin wrote his memoirs in a book called "Mao's Last Dancer". I bought it after the emotional but highly inspirational speech and will for sure read it sometime this year before the release of the movie directed by Bruce Beresford and dur to be in our screens in October this year.
The part that touched me the most was when already famous and dancing in prestigious venues all over the world, through the help of ex-president George Bush Sr's wife, Barbara and the Chinese Ambassador in USA atthat time, his alliterate parents were able to visit the States after a long period of absolute no contact between Li and his parents due to the strict Communist Regime rules. The reunion is a heart warming story of hope and love.
Cunxin is a family man. He married an Australian Ballerina and settled in Melbourne. His latest great challenge was the deafness of their daughter who was cured after long years of battle and des illusions. She is now a dancing student in her late teens.
With Cunxin life is beautiful but it is also full of challenges to overcome. A great discovery from my end...
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