Mao's Last Dancer

In rural Shandong Province, an 11-year-old boy named Li Cunxin (Li) finds himself trapped in a mundane life amidst Mao's Cultural Revolution. The arrival of government officials at his school marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Li, as he is unexpectedly plucked from obscurity and thrust into the elite ranks of Madame Mao's Dance Academy in Beijing. Initially, Li seems bewildered by the rigorous ballet training, but with guidance from senior teacher Chan, a Russian classical ballet aficionado who stands out against the backdrop of the Politburo's ideologically driven physical performances. Under Chan's mentorship, Li's talent blossoms, and he begins to grasp the nuances of his craft.

As fate would have it, American ballet director Ben Stevenson (no specific actor mentioned) becomes aware of Li's exceptional abilities during a cultural exchange visit to China. Impressed by the young dancer's potential, Stevenson invites Li to join the Houston Ballet as an exchange student for three months. This life-altering experience sets Li on a collision course with his Communist Party upbringing, as he begins to question the rigid dogma that has governed his existence. A budding romance with aspiring American dancer Elizabeth Mackey adds fuel to Li's desire to stay in the United States.

However, the Chinese government remains resolute in its refusal to grant Li an extension or allow him to remain abroad. In a bold move, Li marries Mackey, hoping that this union will provide him with a measure of security and protection from the authorities. Seeking legal counsel, Li visits the Chinese Consulate in Houston, only to be forcibly detained by the resident diplomat who aims to coerce his return to China.

As international intrigue unfolds, high-level government agents from both nations become embroiled in the situation. Li's determination to resist repatriation ultimately prompts the Chinese Government to release him but at a steep cost: it revokes his citizenship and declares that he can never again set foot on the soil of his birthplace.

As the anticipated departure date draws near, Li's plans to leave with Elizabeth are unexpectedly derailed by Stevenson's persuasive appeal to stay and join his esteemed ballet company. This fateful decision has far-reaching consequences, as it not only dooms Elizabeth's aspirations of dancing success but also burdens Li with the weight of secrecy regarding his family back in China. His relationships with those he loves begin to fray, leading to a gradual disintegration of his marriage to Elizabeth.

Years pass, and despite his continued excellence on stage, Li's personal life remains marked by turmoil. However, a glimmer of hope arises when the Chinese government grants his parents permission to visit him in the US. This long-awaited reunion is made all the more poignant as they finally have the opportunity to witness Li's triumphant performance of The Rite of Spring. Moreover, this visit marks a turning point, as Li is eventually granted permission to return to China and reunite with his family.

Li's new life unfolds with Mary McKendry, an Australian ballerina, by his side. Together, they embark on a journey that takes them back to the village where Li's story began. A poignant reunion with his former teacher, Chan, is tempered only by regret over missed opportunities to witness Li's artistic growth. In a stirring display of creativity and community, Li and McKendry deliver an impromptu outdoor ballet performance, earning thunderous applause from the village crowd.

As the curtain closes on this remarkable chapter in Li Cunxin's life, we are reminded of his remarkable achievements. He went on to dance with the Houston Ballet in 1995, sharing his artistry with a global audience of over 500 million people. Today, Li and Mary McKendry reside in Australia with their three children, while Ben Stevenson has transitioned to become Artistic Director of the Texas Ballet Theater. Charles C. Foster continues to practice law in Houston, earning international recognition as an authority on Immigration Law. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Mackey's path has taken her to a new career as a speech therapist, working primarily with children and drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a dancer.