A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Raised in a desperately poor village during China's Cultural Revolution, Li Cunxin's childhood revolved around the commune, his family, and Chairman Mao's Little Red Book.
Until Madame Mao's cultural delegates came in search of young peasants to study ballet at the academy in Beijing and he was thrust into a completely unfamiliar world.
When a trip to Texas as part of a rare cultural exchange opened his eyes to life and love beyond China's borders, he defected to the United States in an extraordinary and dramatic tale of Cold War intrigue.
Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li's inspirational story of how he came to be Mao's last dancer, and one of the world's greatest ballet dancers.
A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
From poverty to world-stage ballet, a resilient journey.
Who is this book for?
Mao's Last Dancer is a captivating memoir that takes you from the hardships of China's Cultural Revolution to the glamour of international ballet. Li Cunxin's storytelling beautifully captures the transformative power of art, resilience, and hope, making it an inspiring read for those interested in personal triumph and cultural history.
