Category Queensland Ballet   Show all

• Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series: A conversation with Mary Li - Principal Repétitéur and Ballet Mistress with the Queensland Ballet and author of Mary’s Last Dance.

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  Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend our Author Talk event with esteemed guest Mary Li (author of Mary’s Last Dance), hosted by Dr Maretta Mann.

  Mary Li (née McKendry) principal repétitéur at the Queensland Ballet, faced a unique challenge when her daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 17 months. Mary, a former principal dancer with the London Festival Ballet (English National Ballet), shifted her focus to support Sophie’s journey, juggling speech therapy and adapting her busy ballet schedule.

  Sophie, determined to navigate the hearing world, learned to lip-read, received a cochlear implant, and embraced mainstream education. As a young woman, she discovered Auslan, enhancing her language skills and boosting confidence. Reflecting on Sophie’s journey after completing her memoir, “Mary’s Last Dance”, the entire family embraced Auslan, deepening their bond.

  Born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Mary Li’s illustrious ballet career includes stints with the Royal Ballet and Houston Ballet. Returning to Australia, she spent a decade with the Australian Ballet before joining theQueensland Ballet as Principal Repétitéur. Alongside her husband Li Cunxin AO (https://licunxin.com), the artistic director, they elevated the company’s global standing.

  Mary’s resilience, a hallmark of her ballet career, proved crucial in navigating and ultimately embracing her child’s disability. Her story, a fusion of ballet and family strength, exemplifies courage, determination, and unwavering will.
  
  Find out more about Mary Li and her book “Mary’s Last Dance” at https://www.penguin.com.au/authors/mary-li
  
  Visit Sophie Li’s website https://www.sophieli.com.au.

  
  

  

  
  

  Event Details

  Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 11.30 am–1.30 pm
  Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU) Foyer, S01
  Southbank Campus, Griffith University
  Access a venue map on this link or visit https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/361670/South-Bank-campus-map.pdf

  
  

  RSVP

  Please confirm your attendance before:
  Thursday, 21 March 2024
  Click here to register your attendance or visit: https://forms.office.com/r/gLhhR3iV7m

  Alternatively register via the QR Code below.

  

  
  

  Contact us

  Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
  inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au