Las week, former Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin received the Prix de Lausanne 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. In a ceremony held in Switzerland during this year’s edition of the prestigious competition, Cunxin was recognized for his influential contributions to the ballet world, from his beginnings as an aspiring dancer in China through the present.
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After his arrival in the United States after a training at the Beijing Dance Academy (which is documented in his autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer and subsequent film of the same name), Cunxin went on to become a principal dancer with Houston Ballet and The Australian Ballet and an international guest artist.
After his performing career, he transitioned to the world of finance and rose to senior manager at an Australian stockbroking firm before returning to dance as the Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet in 2013.
Cunxin adds this Lifetime Achievement Award to his list of honors including the Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University for his services to ballet, the arts and the wider community in 2016 and appointment in 2019 as Officer of the Order of Australia.
Li Cunxin at Queensland Ballet
During his decade-long tenure, the Brisabne-based ballet company grew from a roster of about 20 dancers to 60 and saw the development of the standalone facility for the affiliated Queensland Ballet Academy.
“Li Cunxin AO’s leadership was instrumental in elevating Queensland Ballet to new heights, shaping the company into a world-leading institution, attracting top talent and building audiences. His dedication to excellence and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration has set the stage for continued growth and success for Queensland Ballet in the years to come.
We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to excellence and his enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations of dancers and arts enthusiasts. In 2025 Li returns to leadership as Chair of our Endowment Committee, working with our team to ensure Queensland Ballet enjoys a sustainable and vibrant future.”
– Rachael Walsh, Director of Development and Endowment at Queensland Ballet
Featured Photo of Li Cunxin AO courtesy of Queensland Ballet.
