Mao's Last Dancer Essay

An ordinary boy from poverty-riddled Shandong province to an elite, world-class ballerino. Mao’s Last Dancer, a film directed by Bruce Beresford is an inspirational tale about success through determination and the importance of relationships to achieve goals. Throughout the story, Li Cunxin draws inspiration from the archer fable and the frog in the well fable that were told to him to inspirit perseverance and dedication to triumph over mental and physical setbacks.

In the beginning of Li Cunxin’s journey to success, he undertook flexibility examinations to be selected for the Beijing Dance Academy. Strong for his age as he worked, Li still had to push himself physically to score himself a place at the academy. Li would now receive an education and broaden his future. Having the opportunity to see beyond the confinements of the well which was his life, was what Li’s family had always hoped for him. Li’s father told him the fable of the frog in the well in the hopes of encouraging his son to keep passing the tests. In the same way the frog outside coaxed the frog inside to be free and explore the world, Li’s father imprinted passion to

He had been one of the weakest dancers in his class with the phrases ‘weak’ and ‘useless pig-head’ used to describe his efforts. In his goal to apply the correct techniques, Li decided to carry heavy weights on his legs to build strength in his body just as the Archer held up a bow daily until it was light as a feather. Through perseverance drawn from the archer fable and extra training, Li was able to perfectly execute the jump. Furthermore, Li’s triumph is acknowledged by teacher Gao when he says ‘if it's mental strength you're after, you can’t go past Li Cunxin.’ Li was able to use this obstacle as motivation to become a better dancer, especially in demanding