The moving life-story of Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin was first published in 2003 in an internationally acclaimed autobiography entitled Mao’s Last Dancer.  His story caught the imagination of film producers and soon the film version of Li’s book will preview at Nu Metro cinemas in South Africa.

During February, Li Cunxin will visit South Africa as Raymond Ackerman’s guest, with the purpose of raising funds for Zama Dance School, a ballet school based in Gugulethu. Mr Ackerman has been a patron of the school for over 25 years.

As the title of his book implies, Li was born into a period of revolution and chaos under communist dictator Mao Tse-tung.  While he initially had no interest in or any real aptitude for dancing, he soon realised that ballet was his passport to escape the desperate poverty in which is family were forced to live.  Determined to help them financially, he learnt to dance through sheer strength of will.

Although Li defected to the West, where he went on to become one of world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers, he never forgot his roots and still regularly visits his family in China. Li now lives in Australia with his ballet dancer wife and their three children.

While in South Africa Li will be the guest speaker at a motivational breakfast in Cape Town on Monday 22 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre starting at 8 for 8.30am. 

Tickets are available from Computicket at R250 and include a continental breakfast.  All proceeds will be donated to the Zama Dance School.

Additional Info:

• Li Cunxin’s name is pronounced “Lee Schwin Sing”.  In Chinese his name is written from right to left so Li is his surname, although he is commonly referred to as Li.
• Li was repeatedly asked for updates about his family and Mao’s Last Dancer was republished in October 2009 with additional chapters detailing what has happened to them since the original book was published.  
• Nu Metro will be releasing a film later this year, based on the book. For further information about the film, please contact Natasha Britnell from Nu Metro on 083 648 0202 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ZAMA DANCE SCHOOL

Zama Dance School in Gugulethu is now in its 25th year.  Aside from promoting dance and producing dancers of an international calibre, the school also has a positive influence on the local community by providing a healthy and wholesome activity for children.

Zama Dance School currently teaches 85 children aged between five and 14 (35 boys and 50 girls).

Past Zama students have won awards for dancing and have gone on to study and perform internationally.

Raymond Ackerman is a patron and sponsor of the school in his personal capacity.