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Mary's Last Dance

The untold story of the wife of Mao's Last Dancer

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Mary's Last Dance

By: Mary Li
Narrated by: Taylor Owynns
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About this listen

 'I can vividly remember the last steps of the last ballet, walking off the stage led by a mother and knowing the decision I had to make. That was my last dance.'

Mary Li (ne� McKendry) is an international ballet star and a mother like no other. She became a household name when her husband Li Cunxin published his bestselling memoir, Mao's Last Dancer - but that book told only half the story.

Growing up in a rambunctious family in Rockhampton, Mary discovered an extraordinary early passion for ballet. It saw her move to London at age sixteen, to study at the Royal Ballet School and dance at the London Festival Ballet with the likes of Nureyev, and later to Houston Ballet, where as Principal Dancer she fell in love with the acclaimed Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin. The couple became the darlings of the dance world, and were happier than they could have imagined at the arrival of their firstborn daughter, Sophie.

Then right at the height of her international career, Mary seemingly disappeared from view, leaving the fans aghast. What could have happened to cause a woman so committed, so talented, to give it all away in a heartbeat? Now, almost twenty years on, fans finally get their answer about what happened next to this inspiring family, and learn why it is Mary's turn to tell a truly remarkable tale.

Mary's Last Dance is a powerful and uplifting memoir about chasing an impossible dream, and sacrificing one's own ambition for the love of a child. It is a moving and unforgettable story of passion, dedication and devotion - and the highly anticipated sequel to one of the world's most beloved books. Entertainment & Performing Arts Entertainment Heartfelt Feel-Good Thought-Provoking Royalty
All stars
Most relevant
Im lost for words! Please just listen to this book it is AMAZING 🤩 If you loved Mao’s last dance this book will fulfil everything. Loved loved loved this story A++++++++

Best story ever!

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Loved every moment of this audiobook. Whether you are a ballet aficionado or not this book will speak to you in many ways. It is a story of human aspirations for excellence and a loving account of a family and their love for one another.

A wonderful account of family and ballet.

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I felt every feeling imaginable throughout this book. So beautifully written and so inspiring. What an amazing woman

So very moving

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Couldn’t stop myself, I binged this one! Powerful, captivating and all the more amazing for it being a true story and not fiction. Highly recommended listening.

Captivating from start to finish

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Such a heartfelt book that taught me so much about the deaf world and the struggles for them. I loved this book. Well done Mary. ♥️♥️

Brilliant book

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Loved both Li’s book and this one. What an incredible journey they’ve both been on.

Fabulous

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I enjoyed reading Mao’s Last Dancer so was very interested in learning about his wife, Mary’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mary’s Last Dance was well written and well read.
Besides learning about Mary’s life before meeting Lee I learned so much about the struggles of being deaf, signing, and cochlear implants
I highly recommend this book!!

Best book in 2021

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I found this book very impressive and loved hearing about the beautiful Lee family and all of that fun and dramas

Wow

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Loved it, such a powerful story, I could barely put it down ! Highly recommended

REVIEW MARY'S LAST DANCE

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Thank you Li family for this honest story. Mary, I love that you have shared your uncertainty and your reflections on your decisions in Sophie'slife. You absolutely acted in her best interests as you saw them at the time. I'm sure she now understands that. Your honesty about your unfolding doubts is so Australian and so heroic. I just loved this story and the narration is perfect.

Authentic, moving and beautiful

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