Li Cunxin to retire from the Qld Ballet
Li Cuxin is to retire from his post as Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet. Below we print an edited extract from the company's press release.
After 11 years at the helm, Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO, has announced his plans to retire due to ill health. Li has been troubled by serious health concerns since 2022 and is having to step away to prioritise his recovery.
Queensland Ballet Chair of the Board, Brett Clark, made the announcement to staff and company dancers on the morning of Tuesday June 20.
“I want to acknowledge and congratulate Li for his selfless, generous and visionary service to Queensland Ballet over the past 11 years.
“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.
“Li has been transformational, and his legacy for Queensland Ballet almost defies words, but we’ll do our very best to express our gratitude between now and the last performance of 2023’s season of The Nutcracker,” said Mr Clark.
After commencing in the role in 2012, Li stood on the shoulders of all those who have gone before him and took Queensland Ballet to even greater heights.
Among his achievements:
o A world-class ensemble of 48 dancers – double what he came to.
o A world-class young artists program of 12 dancers – the Jette Parker Young Artists Program
o 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.
o A world-class academy in its standalone, dedicated home at Kelvin Grove State College
o Complete rebuilding of the 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
o The foundations for a world-class production facility, the Roy and Nola Thompson Production Centre at Yatala, Gold Coast
o A growing health and community program, delivering real impact across Qld
o A stable culture of giving through corporate partnerships and visionary donors
o A far-reaching touring commitment across Queensland, Australia and international waters.
Queensland Ballet provides employment to more than 200 workers, including 140 behind-the-scenes staff, from production crews, to costumiers, wig makers, teaching artists and business staff.
Reflecting on his last 11 years as Artistic Director, Mr Li says the growth of the Company and its impact in terms of jobs, audiences, participation, and impact are a result of the hard work and passion of the entire team at Queensland Ballet.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been surrounded by a contagious energy, an unbreakable spirit of dancers, creatives and of course, all of our dedicated supporters,” said Mr Li.
With unwavering dedication to the job Mr Li recently experienced serious health complications which necessitated a leave of absence and informed his decision to retire for the purposes of recuperation. .
“There is still so much I still want to achieve with the team, but I need to take some space to recover and spend time with family.
“I am tremendously proud of the company I see before me today. Queensland Ballet stands proudly on the world stage in performance, pathways and participation. I will never be far away but as I take this time and the organisation continues to thrive, I know I am leaving the company in a strong position. While I am very proud of the company’s growth, the major projects we have undertaken and the dreams we have fulfilled, , I’m mostly proud of the fact that Queensland Ballet is completely set up for success. Our foundations are stronger than ever and I’m proud to be a part of that legacy.
He said the past 11 years represents 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,” explains Mr Li.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have believed in my vision over the past 11 years. Our government stakeholders, our visionary donors, our corporate partners, our audiences throughout Queensland, Australia and the world, our students and all those who have participated in our community programs. Thank you for believing in my vision. I have been but a guardian of our ballet company these past 11 years. Keep believing in Queensland Ballet as our company moves forward into exciting times.”
The news has prompted accolades from artistic circles around the world by those wishing to publicly acknowledge Mr Li’s contribution to ballet over the years.
Li’s wife, Mary, has had her own health battles over the past year, she will join Li in retirement at the end of the year from her role as Ballet Mistress and Principal Repetiteur.
Tributes have already been sent by David Hallberg, director of the Australian Ballet, Kevin O'Hare, director of the Royal Ballet in England, Lady Deborah MacMillan of the MacMillan Estate, and film director Baz Luhrmann and his wife Catherine Martin.
A website has been established for people wishing to leave their messages of support here.
