The Dance to Freedom

Comments (0) By Merritt Martin Thursday, Oct 14 2010

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Most folks queuing up to see Mao's Last Dancer will do so because of the dramatic and romantic story--a young Chinese ballet dancer, hand-picked to be a part of a foreign-exchange dance program, falls in love with his beautiful company member and his new country and ultimately defects via a hasty marriage. But those who know a bit about the Texas Ballet Theater will be anxious to see Bruce Greenwood's portrayal of its artistic director and internationally beloved choreographer Ben Stevenson. Stevenson played a pivotal role in the true story of the film--at the time of dancer Li Cunxin's participation with the Houston Ballet, Stevenson served as his lodging host, artistic director, mentor, teacher and more. Following the incident, Cunxin went on to become an international ballet sensation, and, oddly, a stockbroker, penning his biography, Mao's Last Dancer, in 2003. Stevenson continued with being awesome and fortunately settled at the TBT. Watch the life-to-book-to-movie on the big screen as part of Magnolia at the Modern Friday through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. Tickets are $8.50, $6.50 for museum members. For showtimes, visit themodern.org/magnolia.html.
Oct. 15-17, 2010