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(1948-)

Who Is Mikhail Baryshnikov?

An experienced and respected ballet dancer in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, Mikhail Baryshnikov was a beloved part of his nation.

Unfortunately, the feelings weren't mutual at the time. He defected from the Soviet Union to Canada in 1974 before moving to the United States in hopes of having a better opportunity to express himself creatively.

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His technique transcended any cultural barriers he experienced through immigrating, as Americans loved his precision and grace as a ballet dancer just as the Soviets did. Baryshnikov worked with the American Ballet Theatre until 1978 before becoming its artistic director in the '80s.

Early Life and Career

Born in Riga, Latvia, on January 27, 1948, Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov went on to become one of the leading dancers of the 20th century.

Baryshnikov's early years were difficult. His father was a Soviet colonel, and the two didn't get along. As he explained to The New Yo