The amazing life of Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov, nicknamed ‘Misha’, is often referred to as one of the best ballet dancers in the history of dance. An enigmatic figure, he began his dancing career in the Soviet Union where he was born. Starting out in the Kirov Ballet, he had a bright future as a star in his own country, but saw that living in the Soviet Union limited his international chances for recognition and success.

Understanding that there were more options available to him as a dancer in the West, he moved to Canada in 1974. He worked as an independent or freelance dancer for a number of years before joining the New York City Ballet. It was here that he learned the Balanchine style of dance and movement.

Known for his attitude, Balanchine was notoriously difficult to work with, but Baryshnikov managed to stick it out for the full 18-month stint and earn the respect of Balanchine for his ability, skill, and determination.

He then joined the American Ballet Theater. Not only did he excel in performing many different types of ballet and dance, he also contributed to the art as well. Mikhail Baryshnikov has helped to promote, as well as spearhead, a number of different dramatic works and is a proponent for modern dance.

When his personal dance career came to an end, he acted as director of the American Ballet Theater where he spent much of his career as a dancer. His talent and skill, obvious from even his youthful days, has earned him a number of highly distinguished awards, as well as a number of honorary degrees.

In the 90s, he co-founded and directed the White Oak Dance Project. This was a touring dance company that he was in direct involvement with until 2002. He was awarded the life time achievement award, Prix Benois de la Dans, for his contribution to the art of dance. In 2005, he opened the Baryshnikov Arts Center, located in New York City. To this day, he has direct involvement with the dance community and his mark can be seen far and wide.

Throughout his long and illustrious career, Mikhail Baryshnikov won much acclaim and many accolades for his dancing ability and creative fervor. Beginning his career in the Soviet Union with a promising future, he saw that he was limited in his Western exposure. This led him to move to Canada where he began his dancing career in earnest. After a number of years freelancing, he joined the prestigious New York City Ballet, and later the American Ballet Theater.

He was more than just a dancer, he spend much time promoting various types of dance and dramatic works, from promoting modern dance to his own creative pursuits. After his career as a dancer came to an end, he became director of the American Ballet Theater. As of late, he has begun acting and has played a number of critically acclaimed, high profile roles in both film and television, further expanding his influence on the performing arts.

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