24 January 2012
Mao's last dancer visits
Students in RMIT University's Foundation Studies program were fortunate late last year to meet Li Cunxin, whose popular autobiography Mao's Last Dancer was made into a film of the same name.
Students Sim Jiun Yuan (Max) and Chan Siow Chuan (Synthia) with Li Cunxin.
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The Chinese dancer defected to the US and made his way to Australia, where he is now a stockbroker and public speaker.
Denise Saville, English Coordinator in the School of Education, said students had been reading Mr Cunxin's book as part of their English course and were excited to meet him.
Ms Saville said Foundation Studies students came from many diverse locations including South East Asia, the Middle East and China, Mr Cunxin's homeland.
She said they were interested to hear Mr Cunxin's talk about his journey not only as a world-renowned ballet dancer, but also as someone whose life had taken him through many extraordinary and difficult experiences.
"His talk of what motivated him and why he made the choices he did was truly inspiring for his audience of young international students," Ms Saville said.
"They were particularly inspired by his dedication to learning English during his early years in the US and his attitude to tackling the challenges he encountered.
"Staff and students in the Foundation Studies English Program would like to thank the School of Education for their sponsorship of Li Cunxin's talk and RMIT International College for providing the venue."
Mao's Last Dancer was published in 2003 and immediately hit the top of Australia's best sellers list.
The book stayed on the top 10 Bestseller List for 18 months and has been published in more than 30 countries.
The film is one of the top 10 box office hits in Australian film history.
