Chi Cao to Feature in Film Adaptation of Bestseller

04 March 2008

Birmingham Royal Ballet star cast in movie adaptation of Mao's Last Dancer

Birmingham Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Chi Cao, is to appear in a film adaptation of Li Cunxin’s bestselling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer.

Chi, who has been cast as the adult Li, will appear alongside dancers from The Australian Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet in the film, which is to be directed by the internationally acclaimed Bruce Beresford.

Chi has been granted a six-month leave of absence from Birmingham Royal Ballet from Director David Bintley who said, 'I am delighted that Chi has been given a chance to showcase his talent as a performer in this way. Birmingham Royal Ballet works hard to encourage continual professional development and this opportunity will give the widest possible audience the chance to see Chi’s skill, as both dancer and actor.'

Born in China, Chi Cao trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and the Royal Ballet School. He joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1995 and progressed quickly throughout the ranks of the Company to be promoted to Principal in 2002. Chi is a virtuoso classical dancer, and often leads the Company in the classical repertory. His superb technique won him the gold medal in 1998 at Varna, the 'Granddaddy' of all ballet competitions.

With his frequent partner, Nao Sakuma, Chi has also represented the Company at a number of prestigious occasions, dancing at the NATO gala in Birmingham (2000) and Birmingham's gala to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's golden jubilee (2002).

Chi will return to Birmingham Royal Ballet once filming has completed and will continue to perform with the Company during the autumn.

ENDS

For further press information please contact:
Simon Harper, Media and PR Manager, on 0121 245 3562; Email: SimonHarper@brb.org.uk
or Claire Lishman, Media and PR Officer, on 0121 245 3549 Email: ClaireLishman@brb.org.uk

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