From a poor rural family in communist China to the world stage, Li Cunxin has lived an extraordinary life shaped by talent, determination and opportunity.

Chosen at 11 to train at the Beijing Dance Academy, Li became a principal dancer with Houston Ballet and The Australian Ballet before serving as Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet. His bestselling memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer, became an international phenomenon, inspiring readers and audiences across the world.

In his highly anticipated follow-up, The Lucky Son, Li shares the life that followed – his career in Australia, family, ambition, legacy and belonging – and reflects on the courage it takes to dream beyond what seems possible.

Join Li for a fascinating conversation with Michaela Kalowski about his remarkable journey and the people and experiences that have shaped his life.

Li Cunxin AO was born in communist China in 1961, the sixth of seven sons in a poor rural family. His life under Chairman Mao’s regime changed dramatically when, at the age of 11, he was chosen to become a student at the Beijing Dance Academy. Li went on to become one of the finest male dancers in the world, and was principal dancer at Houston Ballet and the Australian Ballet. From 2012 until the end of 2023 he was artistic director at Queensland Ballet, and in 2025 he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Prix de Lausanne for his outstanding contribution to the arts and dance.

Li's memoir, Mao's Last Dancer, is one of the most successful autobiographies of all time. It was published around the world and has been adapted into a young readers’ edition, a picture book, a stage play and a major motion picture. Li lives with his wife, Mary, in Brisbane. He continues to contribute to the world of ballet and to Australia’s cultural life.

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator and curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, Zadie Smith, Tim Winton, Rebecca Kuang, Charlotte Wood and Stan Grant. She was curator of Big Weekend of Books, ABC Radio National’s annual on-air writers’ festival for five years. She produces and hosts a monthly books conversation event for Petersham Bowling Club. Michaela has conducted radio interviews and presented programs across ABC radio and TV. She's co-presenter and co-writer of a two-part podcast for ABC Radio National, tracing part of her family’s history, called Laya’s Way Home. She is a judge of the Stella Prize for 2027.

This Bondi Books & Ideas Weekend event is presented by Waverley Council, with support from Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore. With thanks to Penguin Random House.