Keynote Speaker – Li Cunxin AO

In his keynote address, Li Cunxin AO reflects on an extraordinary journey, from his beginnings in dance, through his leadership of Queensland Ballet, to a new chapter shaped by health and perspective. Speaking candidly from personal experience, he explores what dance has given him, what it means to build a culture of care within an organisation and what he has learned about prioritising wellbeing amid a demanding creative life. A must-hear address for dance educators dedicating themselves to the next generation.

Li Cunxin began dancing at age 11 when he was selected to join Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy. Graduating in 1979 he took part in a cultural exchange visit to the US and – after a well-documented defection – found a home with the Houston Ballet, becoming principal dancer and staying there for 16 years. Over his career, Li has performed with some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, winning medals in several international competitions, and eventually becoming principal artist with the Australian Ballet. Following retirement, Li returned to dance with an appointment to the board of the Australian Ballet and in 2012 became the Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet. That same year he sat on the judging panel for the final of the Genée International Ballet Competition in Wellington, New Zealand. His 2003 autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, is an international bestseller and in 2009 it was made into a critically acclaimed feature film. Li is a motivational speaker and mentor and in 2013 was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year, becoming a national finalist for the Australian of the Year Award in 2014.