Zhang Shu Character Analysis in Mao’s Last Dancer

Zhang Shu is a ballet instructor at the Beijing Dance Academy appointed as head of the ballet department after undergoing rehabilitation for alleged anti-communist views. He joins the academy alongside his former teacher, Zhang Ce. Once there, he takes an immediate liking to Cunxin. When Minister Wang rescinds his permission for Cunxin to return to the United States, Zhang Shu is one of the academy instructors who tries to petition the government on Cunxin’s behalf.

Zhang Shu Character Timeline in Mao’s Last Dancer

The timeline below shows where the character Zhang Shu appears in Mao’s Last Dancer. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...new teachers, including Zhang Ce, former principal dancer of the Central Ballet, and his student, Zhang Shu . Zhang Shu takes an immediate liking to Cunxin. Soon afterward, Cunxin finds that someone... (full context)

Opportunity, Hard Work, and Success Theme Icon

...through of losing his favorite teacher—the one who helped him to like ballet—Cunxin rushes to Zhang Shu to tell the ballet department head how much he and the rest of the students... (full context)

Cunxin’s and Zhang Weiqiang’s real adventures begin at the airport, where Zhang Shu treats them to Coca-Colas. Then, they board an unbelievably large, luxuriously air-conditioned airplane. Once they’ve... (full context)

Back in Beijing, Cunxin can’t wait to tell Teacher Xiao, Zhang Shu , the Bandit, and the rest of his friends about his experiences. He knows that... (full context)

...Minister Wang changed his mind. Back at the academy, he learns that Teacher Xiao and Zhang Shu have already convinced the academy’s director to send an official petition to Minister Wang, asking... (full context)

...Cunxin’s cause during Wang’s absence. It takes weeks of concerted effort by Teacher Xiao and Zhang Shu , but they eventually secure that minister’s permission. With his newly issued passport in hand,... (full context)

...But before he can get lost in nostalgia, he catches sight of Teacher Xiao and Zhang Shu waiting just inside the big metal gate. Through tears, the three men shake hands; Cunxin... (full context)