1. The story of Li Cunxin and China’s Cultural Revolution
Mao’s Last Dancer
The story of Li Cunxin and China’s Cultural Revolution

2. China’s Cultural Revolution (1966 - 1976)
Violent period of China’s history
Persecution of millions in effort to establish a communist regime
Led by Mao Zedong, or “Chairman Mao”
Mobilized young people - the Red Guard - who worshipped Mao without question

3. Li Cunxin Famous Chinese ballet dancer
Lived during Cultural Revolution
Indoctrinated against the U.S. as a child
Selected to visit U.S. as an exchange student
Refused to return to China

4. Mao’s Last Dancer
Mao’s Last Dancer was originally an autobiography written by Li Cunxin.
Made into a movie by Australian film director, Bruce Beresford in 2009.
Li eventually became an Australian citizen and is most recently became the Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet.