LEGENDARY DANCER "MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV" "American

LEGENDARY DANCER

"MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV"

"American Ballet Theatre

Article for #DancersOfTheHeart by Margo

I am honored to write about Legendary "Baryshnikov" who has been an inspiration in my life! I am thrilled to share with our friends an article concerning my favorite Dancer of all Time who is a "Treasure" & "Genius" in the Dance World. I have admired & respected the Phenomenal Talent of "Majestic" Baryshnikov for many years. Baryshnikov is a"Guiding Light" & "Inspiration" to all who love his Breathtaking, Outstanding Dancing & Choreography!

Mikhail (Misha) Baryshnikov was born on Jan. 27, 1948. Baryshnikov is a "Legendary" Russian Dancer/Choreographer/Actor who is considered the greatest dancer in the History of Dance! Baryshnikov's parents were Alexandra- a Dressmaker & Nicholai - an Engineer.

Baryshnikov began his dance career with The Kirov Ballet in Lennigrad & Marinsky Theatre in 1967- dancing a pas de deux in "Giselle". While on tour with The Kirov Ballet in Canada, he defected & requested political asylum in Toronto where he joined Royal Winnepeg Ballet where he announced he would not return to Russia.

 Baryshnikov's first televised performance in Canada was with the National Ballet of Canada dancing in "La Sylphide". After this, Baryshnikov went to the US to pursue more dance opportunities.

The New York Times critic Clive Barnes described Baryshnikov in these words- "Baryshnikov is the most perfect dancer I have ever seen- his artistry & technique is magnificent." He foretold Baryshnikov would become part of "Dance History" & today Baryshnikov is an integral & important part of Dance History!

After freelancing for several dance companies, Baryshnikov joined New York City Ballet as a Principal Dancer to study under the legendary & brilliant George Balanchine (Mr.B.) as he known in dance circles. Balanchine is one of the greatest choreographers of all times in Ballet!

Later Baryshnikov joined ABT (American Ballet Theatre) where one of his favorite partners was Gelsey Kirkland whom he was paired with often. They had a wonderful dance partnership. One of my favorite performances for Baryshnikov & Gelsey Kirkland is the exquisite "Nutcracker" which is a marvelous example of their beautiful collaboration in dance! They were breathtaking together! One of my photos is of Baryshnikov & Gelsey in Nutcracker where Gelsey plays Clara!

Baryshnikov became the Artistic Director for ABT (American Ballet Theatre) for many years. ABT thrived under Baryshnikov & many new ballets were choreographed by Baryshnikov who also followed the dance concepts of his mentor George Balanchine whom he admired & respected for his brilliance in dance.

 Baryshnikov is known for promoting Classical, Modern, Jazz & later Contemporary Dance which became a favorite of his. Baryshnikov enjoyed dancing to Sinatra, therefore, he choreographed Jazz Routines which were welcomed with excellent reviews. Baryshnikov's brilliant choreography was loved by all- Treasures for the Dance World!

Baryshnikov was also a successful dramatic actor on the Broadway stage, movies & television. For the movie, "The Turning Point", Baryshnikov was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor & received a Golden Globe Award. Baryshnikov was in the movie "White Nights" which was choreographed by Twyla Tharp.

Other awards- 1999-Baryshnikov elected "Fellow of the American Arts & Sciences. 2000- Baryshnikov awarded National Medal of Arts. 2003- Baryshnikov won the Prix Benois de la Danse for Lifetime Achievement in Dance. What amazing accomplishments! Bravo!

 Baryshnikov received his US Citizenship in 1986. From 1990 to 2002, Baryshnikov was Artistic Director for his own company- "White Oak Dance Project" which toured the US. In 2005, Baryshnikov launched BAC- "Baryshnikov Arts Center" in New York City. BAC features Baryshnikov's marvelous works w/ BAC residents wonderful Azsure Barton & Benjamin Millepied. BAC has toured the US & Spain.

Baryshnikov has a beautiful family with a daughter named Aleksandra Baryshnikova -who's mother is jessica Lange- born 1981. Baryshnikov has had along term relationshipwith the love of his life &former Ballerina Lisa Rinehart with whom he has three children- Peter, Anna & Sofia. Baryshnikovis blessed with a beautiful family. I hope you enjoyed this article on the Legendary Baryshnikov.We who love Dance/Ballet, love & respect the Brilliant, Phenomenal#Heart" of Dance = "Baryshnikov" who has made Dance History!

 When I was a very, very young Ballet student, just at the beginning of my career with Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, I had the honor & pleasure to meet Misha Baryshnikov who rented our ballet studios to take class & review choreography for performances in Philadelphia. As very young ballet students, we adored & respected Baryshnikov who was an inspiration to all of us in Ballet. Baryshnikov was a very kind, caring, compassionate person with a Heart of Gold! He considered us all a "dance family" which was amazing since he was a star in the Ballet world. We were in awe of him! He surpassed all our expectations! We were thrilled & delighted to have the opportunity to gain knowledge from a dance expert like Baryshnikov as he came to our class to observe. His knowledge of dance was invaluable to a young ballet student. It was a beautiful blessing in the Life of a Ballet Dancer! As we got to know him, we came to learn Baryshnikov was not only a marvelous Ballet Dancer but also a marvelous Human Being! These are moments in my career in Ballet which I shall always treasure & hold close to my heart!

Teagan has met Legendary Baryshnikov in NYC at BAC

(Baryshnikov Arts Center).Teagan said it was a honor to be in his company.

Teagan had the pleasure to meet Baryshnikov at a performance at BAC

Thank you for all beautiful pic .....

Comments

[vividance]

merci thank you very much to your comment xxxx

[Andrew Stevenson]

I have never really followed ballet, but Margo writes so beautifully about this art form, I am so in awe. I see it as an expression of the heart, just as I see the beauty of a leaf or flower: it's form, it's dynamic simplicity and its ability to inspire other feelings. And I am in awe of this beautiful man and his passion for life.