Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend an 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 London Festival Ballet (now the English National Ballet) and Houston Ballet. Returning to Australia, she spent a decade with the Australian Ballet before joining the Queensland Ballet as Principal Repétitéur. Alongside her husband Li Cunxin AO, 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.
Event Details
Wednesday 3 April 2024, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU) Foyer, S01, Southbank Campus, Griffith University.
RSVP
Please register your attendance before Thursday 21 March 2024.
For further information contact [email protected]
