Li fell in love and married an American girl in 1981 which resulted in him being held against his will for twenty-one hours by the Chinese Consulate in Houston. It became a huge international incident during which the FBI surrounded the Consulate and sealed the airport. The American government, led by George Bush, Sr., managed to negotiate with the Chinese government to eventually secure his release.

Li went on to win two prestigious silver medals at two separate International Ballet competitions for America. In addition, he was the principal dancer with the Houston Ballet and the Australian Ballet for over 20 years and was considered to be one of the best dancers in the world.

Li's book, MAO'S LAST DANCER, took two and half years to write and has became a huge bestseller in Australia (reaching number one in non-fiction) and is currently on its fourteenth print-run since September, 2003. After making a career transition, Li is a senior manager at a large stockbroking firm.

He and Mary, his life partner, have three children and reside in Australia. A former principal dancer at both the Houston Ballet and the English National Ballet, Mary sacrificed her career at the height of her profession to teach their first child Sophie to speak. Diagnosed with profound deafness at 18 months, Sophie is now a bright young girl with cochlear implants. Recently, Sophie, won a scholarship to study at one of the most prestigious schools in America. Mary is now a principal teacher and coach at the Australian Ballet.

Li is available to talk to school and community groups about his experiences while growing up, his ballet training and performance years and his transition to western culture. An incredibly inspiring presenter, Li's sessions are remembered by all who hear him.