The Lucky Son: The Sequel to Mao's Last Dancer | Li Cunxin

The sequel to Mao's Last Dancer - the highly anticipated follow up to one of the world's most beloved books.

In Mao's Last Dancer, Li Cunxin stole our hearts with his inspirational rags-to-riches story of being plucked from obscurity as a child in Communist China to become one of the world's most acclaimed ballet dancers.

Now, Li returns to captivate readers with what happened next in his extraordinary life as he is faced with new challenges that further test the strength of his spirit and the depth of his resilience.

As a celebrated artist living in the West, Li grapples with the complexities of cultural identity and personal sacrifice. Navigating the dazzling yet demanding world of international ballet, he is confronted by haunting memories of his humble beginnings in rural China and the family he left behind.

Torn between two worlds, Li must reconcile the passion for his art with the love for his poor family in China, all while building his own family with his former dance partner and beloved wife Mary, and creating a new-generation ballet company that will transform the Australian ballet scene and take its dancers to the world stage.

Along the way, Li shares his hard-won and heart-felt life lessons on learning and leadership, love and legacy, and the power and possibility of dreaming big. Whether success comes through luck or from hard work and dedication, this inspiring memoir is proof that sometimes fortune favours the brave, and that the greatest performance of all is the one we give in our own heart.

Li Cunxin AO was born in communist China in 1961, the sixth of seven sons in a poor rural family. His life under Chairman Mao's regime changed dramatically when, at the age of eleven, he was chosen to become a student at the Beijing Dance Academy. Li went on to become one of the finest male dancers in the world, and was principal dancer at Houston Ballet and the Australian Ballet. From 2012 until the end of 2023 he was artistic director at Queensland Ballet, and in 2025 he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Prix de Lausanne for his outstanding contribution to the arts and dance. Li's memoir, Mao's Last Dancer, is one of the most successful autobiographies of all time. It was published around the world and has been adapted into a young readers' edition, a picture book, a stage play and a major motion picture. Li lives with his wife, Mary, in Brisbane. He continues to contribute to the world of ballet and to Australia's cultural life.