Mao’s Last Dancer: Li Cunxin’s life now a brilliant exhibition in Melbourne

The world first heard the incredible story of Li Cunxin when his book, Mao’s Last Dancer, was published in 2003.

The 2009 movie adaption made him an icon of Chinese-Australian dance.

His extraordinary life has now been documented for Melburnians to see as an exhibition, Mao’s Last Dancer the Exhibition: A Portrait of Li Cunxin on now at the Immigration Museum.

Li told 3AW Afternoons the exhibition made him feel quite emotional, as it contains an interview with his parents, both of whom have passed away.

“Last night I saw that footage again and it made me teary, it was very emotional to hear them talking about me,” Li said.

“The Chinese tradition, their character, they never praise their sons, never say ‘you’re wonderful, we’re proud of you’, they never said that to my face.

“So to hear them talk to others about me, it really took me back.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

The exhibition is on at the Melbourne Immigration Museum until October 7th.

For more information click here.