Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

Li Cunxin’s life story is a testament to overcoming adversity through discipline and perseverance.

Born into extreme poverty in Mao’s China, Li was selected at a young age to train at the Beijing Dance Academy. His seven years of harsh training made him one of the best dancers in the world. He then made a career transitioning from dance to finance, Li excelled as a senior manager in one of Australia’s largest stockbroking firms. He then returned to dance and became Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet which transformed the company from a small regional ballet company into a globally recognised institution.

Li has received numerous prestigious honours and awards. Li’s autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, became an international bestseller and was adapted into a blockbuster film. Li’s inspirational story is an example of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence in life.

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