ABOUT THE EVENT:

On Tuesday 6th October at the Red Mill Distillery, Balmain, join Li Cunxin in conversation with Dom Knight.

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

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ABOUT THE VENUE

Red Mill is based in the historic White Bay Steelworks, just across from the inner-west icon, the White Bay Power Station. Red Mill makes small batches of high-quality Rum to age in a special barrel program, blended and bottled in their wonderful, industrial home. Visiting Red Mill is a chance to see the workings of an artisanal distillery, in the historic surrounds of this remarkable building. Refreshments available to purchase include wine, beer and a signature Red Mill cocktail. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique venue.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Seating is unallocated – another reason to arrive early to secure an optimal spot.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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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.

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ABOUT DOM KNIGHT

Dom Knight currently hosts Friday Drive and Saturday Breakfast on 702 ABC Radio Sydney. His books include The Strayan Dictionary, Strayapedia, and the Dictionary of Terrible Ideas.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Refunds

Please note that tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or postponed due to extenuating circumstances. Refunds are not issued within 48 hours notice of event date. Humanitix fee is nonrefundable.

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This event is presented by Roaring Stories Bookshop Balmain.

With thanks to our venue partner Red Mill and Penguin Random House.

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Contact the host of Li Cunxin in conversation with Dom Knight