A Detailed Essay on the External Influences in Mao's Last Dancer

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the external influences that shaped Li Cunxin's journey in "Mao's Last Dancer." The essay begins with a clear thesis statement, outlining the significant roles played by characters such as Niang, Dia, Teacher Xiao, and Ben Stevenson. It examines how these individuals, along with the broader context of the Beijing Dance Academy and the cultural delegation to America, contributed to Li's success. The discussion section delves into specific instances where these influences are evident, such as Li's initial reluctance to leave his family, the guidance of Teacher Xiao, and the mentorship of Ben Stevenson. The essay emphasizes the importance of hard work, mentorship, and the impact of external support in achieving goals. It concludes by highlighting the significance of these characters in Li's path to becoming a successful ballet dancer, drawing evidence from the memoir itself.

ANALYTICAL ESSAY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THESIS STATEMENT...................................................................................................................1
DISCUSSION..................................................................................................................................1
REFERNCES...................................................................................................................................2

THESIS STATEMENT
External influence played a significant role in shaping success of Li Cunxin as Mao’s
Last Dancer.
Characters
Niang: Li's mother who cherished her success and support him by providing love and care. She
was his impetus who motivate him to move forward.
Dia: Li's father who was portrayed as honest and wise man. He was exceptionally filled with
pride when Li got selected to study ballet at Beijing Dance Academy.
Teacher Xiao: The most influential character which guide, direct and motivate Li so that he can
become a successful ballet dancer.
Ben Stevenson: He provided an opportunity to Li to study western at his dancing academy in
America. He was very nice and gave lots of helpful advice to Li.
DISCUSSION
When Li was eleven years old, one day at his school Madame Mao's representatives
visited the school in order to select talented students to study in ballet and to serve in Chairman
Mao's revolution. It can be said that Li's father Dia and her mother Niang has influenced him as
they want their son to leave the life of poverty and achieve greater success. When group of
commune, county and city officials suddenly visited his house and congratulated that Li got
selected, he got excited but at the same time he did not wanted to leave his family “I don't want
to leave you” (Cunxin, 2009, p. 102).
In the Beijing Dance Academy, Li embarked his new life with new environment. Teacher
Xiao became one of the most influential teacher at Madame Mao. He helped Li to counter many
challenges and obstructions which he faced at the academy and which eventually helped him in
becoming successful dancer. "Great things don't come easily!" and in order to achieve goals one
has to work very hard and diligently (Cunxin, 2009, p. 168).
In the final exam and graduation ceremony, Teacher Xiao guided and motivated Li to
perform six solos in the exam (Cunxin, 2009, p. 229). Though his performance was good but his
friend Liu Fengtian said that there was no Western steps in in your dance. Soon after the
graduation ceremony, Officials from the Ministry of Culture informed that 10 students have been
selected for first cultural delegation from America. “Then, soon after that performance, an event
occurred that changed my life for ever.” (Cunxin, 2009, p. 231). Ben Stevenson who was the
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artistic director of the Houston Ballet influenced by watching his performance of Li. He was very
nice and gave lots of useful advice to Li.
Thus, it can be understood that in the path of becoming successful ballet dancer, lots of
characters influenced Li. His mother Niang, Father Dia, friends, Madame Mao, Teacher Xiao,
Ben Stevenson have helped Li from becoming successful. It was identified in various pages
where Li succinctly describe the significance of all the people who provided immense support
and motivation which helps him in becoming successful ballet dancer.
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REFERNCES
Books and Journals
Cunxin, L., 2009. Mao's last dancer. Penguin UK.
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