This is My Australia looks at the inspiring stories of recipient and nominees of the Australian Of The Year Awards.
Channel 10, Friday Jan 24th at 10:00PM
Ballet Director and inspiration for film Mao's Last Dancer Li Cunxin is one of eight finalists for the prestigious Australian of the Year Award 2014
Born into extreme poverty in rural China, Li became one of China's foremost ballet dancers. He became Principal Artist with the Australian Ballet in 1995, and his autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer, was translated onto the screen in 2009. Today, Li inspires many Australians with his personal story of hardship, perseverance and success.
When asked to identify three Australians that he's taken inspiration from, Li named his wife, Mary Li, scientist Professor Ian Frazer and America's Cup skipper John Bertrand.