Li Cunxin returns to the stage for CGEN

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director and internationally renowned dancer Li Cunxin will return to the stage for the first time in 16 years as part of the Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN) cast.

Minister for Youth Shannon Fentiman today announced Mr Li would join the CGEN cast for one very special evening performance on Saturday 18 July, with tickets expected to sell out.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to announce Li Cunxin will perform with talented dancers from state schools across Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our CGEN dancers, and also for the audience to see such a high-calibre international artist back on stage.

“We are grateful to Mr Li and Queensland Ballet for their support of CGEN 2015.

“I encourage people to book tickets to witness Mr Li’s performance because they will sell out quickly.”

Li Cunxin, of Mao's Last Dancer fame said it would be a pleasure to dance with the young Creative Generation performers.

"It has been quite a while since I have danced on stage and I'm so pleased that this brief return to the stage will be with young dancers," he said.

"I have always been passionate about sharing the beautiful art form of ballet with as many people as possible and this is a great opportunity to hopefully inspire young people to pursue their creative dreams."

Ms Fentiman said Li Cunxin would be part of the 200-strong cast of the Let’s Dance segment, which was created through the combined talents of the Queensland Ballet and Queensland Music Festival.

“CGEN is Queensland’s largest youth performing arts event and is well-known for giving state school students outstanding performance opportunities,” she said.

“The partnership between CGEN, Queensland Ballet and Queensland Music Festival has expanded these opportunities further.”

Trumpet master and Queensland Music Festival Artistic Director James Morrison said he was excited to perform alongside Li Cunxin.

“Nurturing young artists and harnessing their potential is extremely important to Queensland Music Festival, and we’re delighted to support CGEN in 2015,” Mr Morrison said.

“Sharing the stage with Li will make Let’s Dance even more special – I can’t wait.”

CGEN, now in its eleventh year, will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July 2015.

It will feature more than 1500 students, including dancers, choristers, symphony orchestra, a massed string orchestra, The James Morrison Creative Generation Big Band, drumline, featured vocalists, and film and stage crew.

Students involved will range from Prep to Year 12 and will come from more than 120 state schools from across Queensland.

Tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au

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