Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring journey of Mikhail Baryshnikov — from his roots in Riga to his defection, rise in American ballet, career in cinema, and his memorable reflections on art, discipline, and identity.

Introduction

Mikhail Baryshnikov (born January 27, 1948) is one of the most celebrated dancers, choreographers, and actors of modern times. Though born in what was then the Soviet Union, he later became an American citizen, and his artistic journey spans classical ballet, contemporary dance, theater, and film. His daring defection, his dominance in ballet during the 1970s and 80s, and his continual reinvention have made him a legend. In this article, we will explore the full life and career of Mikhail Baryshnikov, his guiding philosophies, and his most famous quotes.

Early Life and Family

Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov was born on January 27, 1948, in Riga, then part of the Latvian SSR in the Soviet Union.

His mother, Aleksandra, is often described as a softer, more emotionally engaging influence, who took him to opera, theater, and ballet performances.

As a boy, Baryshnikov and his brother lived in a communal apartment with multiple families sharing the same kitchen and living spaces — quite typical of Soviet-era housing conditions.

From early on, movement seemed innate: Baryshnikov himself recalled that, at dinner, his legs would be dancing under the table.

Youth and Education

Baryshnikov began formal ballet training relatively later than many—at about age 12 in his hometown of Riga. Vaganova Ballet Academy in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

After his student years, he joined the Kirov Ballet (then called the Kirov, now Mariinsky) in Leningrad, making his debut in 1967 dancing the “Peasant” pas de deux in Giselle. Vestris and Albrecht in Giselle.

Critics took notice: early in his Soviet career, The New York Times critic Clive Barnes referred to him as “the most perfect dancer I have ever seen.”

Despite his promise, Baryshnikov faced constraints under the Soviet dance system: in particular, his relatively shorter stature for a male dancer (he stood around 5′5″ to 5′6″) meant he was sometimes limited in certain castings, especially in roles where height was expected to dominate.

Career and Achievements

Defection & Rise in the West

In 1974, while on tour with the Bolshoi (or a Soviet troupe) in Canada, Baryshnikov defected, requesting political asylum.

After defecting, he briefly danced with the National Ballet of Canada before moving to the United States. American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as a principal dancer, partnering with leading ballerinas like Gelsey Kirkland.

In 1978, he joined New York City Ballet for a season to study George Balanchine’s neoclassical style, performing in roles like Apollo and Rubies.

In September 1980, Baryshnikov became artistic director of ABT, a position he held until 1989.

Innovation & Later Projects

In 1990, Baryshnikov co-founded the White Oak Dance Project with Mark Morris, aiming to provide a platform for experimental and contemporary works, including opportunities for older dancers.

In 2003, he created the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) in New York City, a multidisciplinary performance and rehearsal space for dance, music, theater, and more.

On the awards side, he has been honored extensively:

• He won multiple ballet competition prizes early in his career (Varna, Moscow).

• In 1977 he was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in The Turning Point.

• He has received major honors such as the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts.

• In 2005, he got the Prix Benois de la Danse for lifetime achievement.

Beyond ballet, Baryshnikov has also worked in film, television, and theater. Notable roles include in The Turning Point (1977), White Nights (1985), Dancers (1987), and a guest role in Sex and the City as Alexander Petrovsky.

Throughout, he has remained committed to artistry over mere spectacle—famously stating:

“It doesn’t matter how high you lift your leg. The technique is about transparency, simplicity, making an earnest attempt.”

Historical Milestones & Context

• Cold War and cultural symbols: Baryshnikov’s defection in 1974 happened amid the broader cultural competition between East and West. His move was seen not just as a personal decision, but a symbolic victory of artistic freedom over state control.

• Bridging classical and modern: At a time when many great ballet dancers stuck to strict classical repertoire, Baryshnikov pushed into modern and contemporary works, helping blur boundaries.

• Leadership in aging and evolution: With White Oak Dance Project and the BAC, he promoted the idea that dance and creativity are not limited by age.

• Multidisciplinary scope: Baryshnikov’s shift into acting, producing, and arts administration broadened what it meant to be a dancer — not just a performer, but a cultural leader.

• Global influence: Over decades, his name has been cited alongside legends like Nijinsky and Nureyev as among the greatest dancers ever.

Legacy and Influence

Mikhail Baryshnikov’s legacy lives in multiple dimensions:

• Artistic versatility: He avoided being pigeonholed; he danced classical and modern, collaborated with a range of choreographers, and moved into acting.

• Institutional impact: Through BAC and White Oak, he provided platforms for new voices, experimental work, and cross-disciplinary art.

• Role model for reinvention: His life shows that reinvention is possible — from Soviet-trained ballet dancer to global artistic figure.

• Mentorship & support for the arts: His institutions help younger generations access space, funding, and visibility.

• Quotes and philosophy: His reflections on authenticity, simplicity, and striving have inspired not just dancers, but artists in other fields.

Personality and Talents

Baryshnikov is often characterized by these traits:

• Perfectionism & discipline: He pushed himself constantly to improve, famously saying:

  “I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”

• Humility: Despite fame, he avoids grandiosity and often resists interviews or public self-mythologizing.

• Emotional honesty: His willingness to acknowledge losses, parent struggles, and difficulties gives depth to his public persona.

• Adaptability: He embraced risk — defecting, switching styles, aging as a dancer, moving into other media.

• Vision: Beyond performance, he has always seen the larger arc of art, community, and legacy.

Famous Quotes of Mikhail Baryshnikov

Here are some of his memorable reflections:

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.” “The problem is not making up the steps but deciding which ones to keep.” “Fundamentals are the building blocks of fun.” “When a body moves, it’s the most revealing thing. Dance for a minute, and I’ll tell you who you are.” “Just sit and open your eyes and open your heart. It’s dance theater.” “No one is born a dancer. You have to want it more than anything.” “Working is living to me.” “It doesn’t matter how high you lift your leg. The technique is about transparency, simplicity, making an earnest attempt.” “The more injuries you get, the smarter you get.” “I miss horribly those couple of hours before the performance when you get into the theater and you see people.”

These quotations reflect Baryshnikov’s focus on humility, authenticity, growth, and the deeper expressive core of dance beyond mere physical feat.

Lessons from Mikhail Baryshnikov

1. Strive for personal excellence rather than competition
   His idea of competing only with oneself is a powerful guide for any creative or professional life.

2. Be brave enough to change your path
   His defection and career shifts show that reinvention sometimes defines legacy.

3. Value simplicity and earnestness
   Technique is necessary, but transparency and sincerity bring art alive.

4. Support new voices and spaces
   His institutions (BAC, White Oak) show that legacy isn’t just what you do, but what you enable for others.

5. Aging is not the end — it’s a different chapter
   He demonstrates that artistry can evolve beyond peak physical years.

6. Integrate life and work, honestly
   The emotional openness about his family losses reminds us that one’s art is deeply entangled with one’s inner world.

Conclusion

Mikhail Baryshnikov’s life is a narrative of passion, daring, reinvention, and generative generosity. From a child in Riga to a global dance icon, he has shown that excellence is a journey, not a destination. His philosophy, embodied in his quotes, resonates across disciplines: focus inward, remain honest, work with intention. His legacy lives not just in performances archived on film, but in the spaces he built, the artists he nurtured, and the mindset he modeled.

If you’re inspired by his journey — explore his performances, read his essays, or witness his institutions in action. The dance he offers to the world is not only movement on stage, but an invitation to live with boldness, clarity, and heart.