Favorite Fridays- Baryshnikov

Ah, the great Mikhail Baryshnikov: a name synonymous with dance throughout the world. Born in Riga, Latvia he studied dance from a very young age at the Voganova School in Leningrad. He joined the Kirov Ballet and, after his his debut at the Maryinsky Theater, prominant choreographers of the time began creating work to show off his amazing talent. He defected from the Soviet Union while on tour with the Kirov in Canada and joined the American Ballet Theatre. He stayed with them for the next four years and (I beleive) it is during that time that this variation from the ballet Don Quixote was filmed. Throughout his career he has worked in almost every genre of dance accompanied by music ranging from classical to jazz to his own heartbeat. He has been student, prize-winning competitor, principal dancer, teacher, choreographer and company director. His passion for the dance can clearly be seen in any of his work and his work ethic is an example to all.
Here's to you Misha.

He can fly.
It's no use questioning.
There must be springs where his thighs
Meet his hip,
And to think
You can blink
And he'll still be there
Hanging in the air.