Ma Li was a talented ballerina with a promising future when tragedy struck. At just 19 years old, she lost her right arm in a car accident in 1996. The devastation deepened when her boyfriend left her. Overcome with despair, Ma attempted to take her own life but was saved by her parents. Their unwavering love gave her the strength to rebuild her life.
Determined to regain her independence, Ma learned to write Chinese beautifully and mastered tasks like combing her hair, which she had to cut from waist-length to shoulder-length. She also learned to cook and do household chores, eventually opening a small bookstore. In 2001, she was invited to participate in the Fifth National Special Performance Art Competition for the Disabled, where she won a gold medal. This victory rekindled her hope of returning to the stage.
In 2002, a young man named Li Tao, then 20, fell deeply in love with her. Fearful of being hurt again, Ma fled to Beijing, but Tao was undeterred. Despite opposition and ridicule from his family, he searched tirelessly for her. When he finally found her performing in a bar, they reunited and became inseparable.
Their journey was not without hardship. During the SARS outbreak, theaters were closed, and the couple faced financial struggles. In 2004, Tao became Ma’s official agent and began helping her develop a unique dance performance. One snowy night, after a grueling day working as extra, Ma had the idea to dance in the snow. That impromptu moment inspired Tao to envision a unique act for her.
In 2005, Ma met Zhai Xiaowei, a 21-year-old athlete training for the national Special Olympics. Zhai had lost his left leg in an accident as a child but had always remained optimistic and driven. When invited by Ma to see her perform, he was captivated by her artistry and agreed to try dancing, despite having no experience. Ma and Tao treated him like family, and the trio embarked on a rigorous training journey.
The challenges they faced were immense. With no dance background, Zhai struggled to meet Ma’s perfectionist standards. One particularly complex move required months of practice, with Zhai accidentally dropping Ma more than a thousand times before perfecting it. Their training schedule, often from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., was grueling, and by early 2007, they had run out of money.
However, their dedication paid off. In April 2007, the trio competed in the 4th CCTV National Dance Competition, becoming the first disabled performers to participate. Their breathtaking performance earned them the silver medal with a score of 99.17 and the highest audience votes. They became an instant national sensation, inspiring countless people with their perseverance and artistry.