Mao’s Last Dancer Makes a Final Comeback

Li Cunxin and wife Mary McKendry arrive for the film premiere of Mao's Last Dancer' at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia on Sept. 21, 2009. Gaye Gerard/Getty Images

Li Cunxin–the man known in popular culture as Mao’s Last Dancer–will return to the ballet stage this weekend after an absence of nearly two decades.

After months of training, Li will make a one-off performance with the Queensland Ballet performing in the role of Drosselmeyer in the Nutcracker, reports the ABC.