80yo Noosa ballet dancer meets Li Cunxin

By Abbey Cannan

Proving age is no barrier to doing what you love, a Noosa ballet dancer has reached his 80th birthday with a special surprise from his idol.

Reigniting his passion after moving to the Sunshine Coast, Leon Daulnais was able to meet his favourite ballet dancer, Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin.

To top off the exciting meeting, Li personally signed his book “Mao the Last Dancer” for Leon.

FitBarre teacher Angelika Burroughs said it was the best birthday present for the ballet fan.

“It’s inspirational to have Leon in our class,“ she said.

“I hope to be able to do what he does in 30 or more years of time despite my past dance injuries.

“He is fantastic proof that age is no barrier…