BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- The little amputee who touched millions with her grace of ballet at the Paralympics opening ceremony has expressed gratitude to all who have saved, treated and cared for her.

    "I would like to thank people who are caring for me," a smiling Li Yue told Xinhuanet during an interview on Friday, exactly four months after her life was saved by navy rescuers.

Li Yue has an interview with Xinhuanet on Friday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Li was trapped more than 70 hours in the rubble and lost her left leg in the massive earthquake that jolted southwest China.

    At the Paralympic opening ceremony held on Sept. 6, Li staged a wheelchair ballet before more than 90,000 spectators in the National Stadium, and brought to tears millions of people with the painful memory of the quake.

    "I also thank the navy, who gave me a second life, and Zhang Jigang (director of the performance at the opening ceremony) who gave me such a platform, and all the kind-hearted people who show care for me," added the 11-year-old girl.

    The girl said she will continue to pursue her ballet dream in the future.

    "If I can't dance, I will study fashion design or stage design. Anyway, I can't stop my dream," she added.

    Li is currently treated in a hospital in Beijing, and will be discharged in three to six months, according to doctors. The girl has been receiving lessons in the hospital, and will continue her studies at a primary school in Beijing after her recovery.

    (Agencies)