Kinokuniya Chatswood presents: An evening with Li Cunxin

Join us for a very special event with Li Cunxin as he celebrates the launch of his new memoir, The Lucky Son, the highly anticipated sequel to Mao’s Last Dancer.

Li will be in conversation with Ballet Without Borders founder Dr. Katia Kullengren, exploring the art of ballet, the unexpected paths a career can take, and the power of dance to transform lives.

An inspiring evening for ballet lovers, aspiring artists and dreamers alike.

Time: 6:15pm arrivals for a 6:30pm start.

Location: This event is presented by Kinokuniya Chatswood and held at the Dougherty Community Centre Auditorium, a short walk from Westfield Chatswood.

Tickets: $10 per person (+ GST and Humanitix fee), redeemable on the night towards book purchases.

ABOUT THE LUCKY SON

Li Cunxin captivated the world with his unforgettable memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer – the extraordinary rags-to-riches story of how a poor peasant boy, the sixth of seven sons, was plucked from his classroom to train at the Beijing Dance Academy – a lucky ticket out of poverty, out of communist China – to become one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers.

Li was indeed his niang’s lucky son, and in his long-awaited sequel he reveals what happened next in this life that cheated fate, and wrestles with the blessings and responsibility of good fortune.

As a celebrated artist living in the West, Li is torn between two worlds and haunted by memories of his humble beginnings in rural China and the family he was forced to leave behind, all while building his own family with his former dance partner and beloved wife, Mary.

Together they choose to make Australia home, and Li reinvents himself in one brilliant career after another, as principal artist for the Australian Ballet, savvy stockbroker, bestselling author, star corporate speaker and legendary artistic director of a new-generation ballet company.

Along the way, Li shares not just the story of his life in the West, but his hard-won life lessons on love, learning, leadership and legacy, and the power and possibility of dreaming big.

Remarkable and inspiring, The Lucky Son is a joyous book about life, family, following your heart – and gratitude.

ABOUT LI CUNXIN

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.

ABOUT DR. KATIA KULLENGREN

Dr. Katia Kullengren is the founder and director of Ballet Without Borders, an Australian non-profit charity bringing the physical, mental, and social benefits of dance to disadvantaged children in public schools.

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Katia moved to Australia in 1993 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Growing up, financial constraints, language barriers, and frequent moving prevented her from pursuing her passion for ballet. This firsthand experience later inspired her to make the art form accessible to all children.

Aside from her work in the arts, Katia has spent over 15 years in strategic leadership and governance roles and serves as the Chief of Staff at Settlement Services International, a major community organisation supporting refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers.