Li Cunxin Retires from Queensland Ballet

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Si Monumentum Requiris Circumspice


This epitaph from the famous London architect Christopher Wren's St Paul's Cathedral crypt points travellers to look around to see Wren's legacy in the architectural beauty that surrounded them. Similarly here on the Kite terrace at the Thomas Dixon Centre, as Li Cunxin formally announced his retirement, we could look around on this sun-basked panoramic terrace to see the kind of beauty and vision emblematic of Li Cunxin's legacy. So named after the written messages of hope on the simply-built kite from his impoverished childhood, this terrace on top of the 100 million dollars refurbished facility also came from the humble origins of a boot factory. Queensland Ballet Chair of the Board, Brett Clark pointed out that Li was a rare combination of a visionary who would come up with and work hard towards financial, practical and business solutions to those big visions. At the interview for the job of artistic director, Li made it clear that his vision would be to build world-class ballet in Queensland. The board was "on board". And so with diligence, inspiration and the uplifting of local talent Li has, beyond any doubt, achieved world-class ballet and facilities. Amongst them:

A world-class ensemble of 48 dancers – double what he came to.

A world-class young artists program of 12 dancers – the Jette Parker Young Artists Program

A world-stage repertoire including works usually reserved for leading lights such as The Royal Ballet, co-productions with peer companies around the world and exciting new commissions.

A world-class Academy in its standalone, dedicated home at Kelvin Grove State College

A world-class Thomas Dixon Centre, home to Queensland Ballet, second home to our Academy and a cultural hub and destination for people of all ages and abilities

The foundations for a world-class Production facility, the Roy and Nola Thompson Production Centre at Yatala, Gold Coast

A growing Health and Community program, delivering real impact across the State

A stable culture of giving through corporate partnerships and visionary donors

A far-reaching touring commitment across Queensland, Australia and international waters


Brett Clark made the formal announcement to staff and company dancers earlier today (Tuesday 20 June). "I want to acknowledge and congratulate Li for his selfless, generous and visionary service to Queensland Ballet over the past 11 years," he said. "When I think about what Li Cunxin has achieved in life, for his family in China, for his family around the world, for ballet, for Queensland, for Queensland Ballet, it is nothing short of sensational. Where words elude us, actions might save us. Over the next few months, we plan to celebrate Li and acknowledge his sensational contribution."

Introducing Li Cunxin for media interviews, Brett indicated the word "sensational" captured Li's contribution to Queensland Ballet the best.

In response, Li indicated these past 11 years represented one of the most rewarding chapters of his life."This journey has enriched my life beyond measure and offered me so much fulfilment and joy. From the moments of success to the periods of challenge and uncertainty that have dared me to dream fearlessly, it has been an incredible opportunity to each day make a difference to the arts in Queensland and the nation, and I'll miss it all terribly."

Li has incurred significant heart-health problems over the last 8 or so months and this, together with his wife Mary Li's health issues, have prompted the decision to retire by the end of this year with time for recuperation and time for each other.



So what were the magical ingredients that lead to so much being achieved in a relatively short space of time? Brett Clark indicated that Li was a great storyteller and used this ability to draw people into his vision.

Mary Li indicated to me that she and Li were just hard-working people who threw themselves into jobs that they loved. Many accolades will inevitably come from following this announcement and each will give insight into how Li and Mary have left their mark. But underlying all of them will be how Li Cunxin in his leadership role brought his heart and humanity to everything he did and, in so doing, touched the lives of more than ballet dancers but also the broader audience of proud Queenslanders, Australians who call him their own, and a world audience that internationally recognises his brilliance which good fortune brought to our antipodean shores.



At 62, it is time for Li to hang up the ballet pumps, figuratively speaking, and join us in the audience as we enjoy the legacy of world-class ballet.

It has been an honour to know "Mao's last dancer" as we reflect on how the dance instigated by Madame Mao in Beijing China, has evolved into something we cherish here in Brisbane thanks to Li's vision.



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