Li Cunxin retiring from Queensland Ballet due to ‘serious health concerns’

The 62-year-old ballet dancer and author of bestselling memoir Mao’s Last Dancer is retiring after 11-years as artistic director, citing his health

Li Cunxin, the renowned ballet dancer and author of bestselling memoir Mao’s Last Dancer, is retiring as the artistic director of Queensland Ballet due to ill health.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Queensland Ballet said the 62-year-old “has been troubled by serious health concerns since 2022” and had recently experienced “complications”, so was retiring to recuperate.