DECEMBER 2017 VIRGIN AUSTR ALIA 029
CALENDAR
december
How does it feel to have an
exhibition celebrating your life? I’m
very humbled by this opportunity
and see it as a chance to celebrate
the many people who have helped
me dream and achieve my goals.
What will people learn about you?
I hope they’ll gain an understanding
and insight into what shaped me as
a person and influenced my success.
How has ballet helped to mould
your life? Ballet opened up
everything for me. Until I was
plucked from my small rural village
in China and thrust into the world
of ballet, I had no idea what I could
achieve, the people I’d meet, the
places I’d go... Ballet has formed
who I am in so many ways.
What role does ballet play in your
life now? As artistic director of the
Queensland Ballet, it is my passion
and is part of my life every single
day. It still drives what I do, how
I think, where my time is spent.
Has anything in the exhibition
brought back memories? Many
things; for instance, the small
foldable stools my father made for
us reminded me what a wonderful
dad he was. What has been the
key to success in your life? I had
loving parents who gave me great
foundations for life. They instilled
in me the importance of integrity,
honesty, dignity, family and work
ethic. I was also lucky to have found
my passion in ballet, my life partner
and soulmate in Mary, and some
wonderful people along the way.Mao’s Last Dancer, The Exhibition
is showing at the Museum of
Brisbane until 29 April 2018.
http://www.museumobrisbane.com.au.LI CUNXIN
The globally famous Chinese-
Australian dancer presents
the pieces that make up his
fascinating life story, in Mao’s
Last Dancer, The Exhibition.Q&A
what’s
onART WITH SOUL
A contemporary look at the art of Australia’s oldest living culture,
Tarnanthi is one of the country’s most important platforms for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Expect fibre art from Bob
Burruwal and Lena Yarinkura, and dot painting by Josie Kunoth
Petyarre, among many others. Until 28 January; Art Gallery of
South Australia, Adelaide; http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au.
GOING GREEN
Of the Grid, Australia’s only self-suicient
festival, powers up for a sun-soaked day
of live music and art as well as discussions
from leading environmentalists, architects,
activists, entrepreneurs and more. All of the
festival’s profits go towards a renewable
energy project in Melbourne. 22 December;
the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art,
Melbourne; http://www.othegrid.global.Liquid Gold
The Great Australian Beer Festival
has become so popular that it has
expanded from its base in Geelong
(17 February) to now take in Albury as
well. The latter event is a showcase of
more than 100 beers and ciders, from
well-known brands to small-batch
boutique beers, alongside plenty of
food and entertainment. 2 December;
QEII Square, Albury; http://www.gabf.com.au.RING IT IN NYE in the Park is a new way to celebrate the
turning of the year in Sydney. Acts such as Hot Dub Time
Machine, 2mandydjs and Tiga will be taking to the stage at
Victoria Park in Broadway. There will also be food from the
likes of Chur Burger and Greekstreet and bars to keep dancers
fuelled all night. 31 December; Sydney; http://www.nyeinthepark.com.