Legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov Solos: Don Quixote/Giselle

[@franescadiano]

I had the luck of actually seeing him dance in the early Eighties in Italy, where I live. I couldn't believe my eyes. What I saw was not a man or a dancer, but a dancing soul. While he was dancing his body just dissolved into light and spirit; this is beyond his amazing technique, as that is only the beginning, the necessary means that enable you to create art. His presence on the stage was staggering, mesmerizing and after a while you only saw his spiritual being filling the whole theatre. After his performance I went to thank him for what he had given us and I was startled at seeing that he was not as tall as he had seemed on the stage. Also I was moved by his kindness and nobleness of manners and by the deep sensitivity of his eyes and face. No video can communicate the physical and spiritual impact of a great artist when you see him in life, as you can actually perceive the power and energy emanating from him. By the way, the theatre was an open arena and I was seated in the first row, so very close to the stage and the impact was even more powerful. Thank you for your very illuminating explanation of his technique, it was great!

[@patriciabravoriscal6264]

Lucky you! 😊😉

[@pacoimeroxvida4404]

If you love Mikhail, you will be floored by Larry Elder out of California. With regal grace does he perform on fox news

[@patriciabravoriscal6264]

Wow! If i had been with you at that marvellous performance... Certainly, I would have payed a lot of money for it although have not too much 🙂. I have another impossible dream: to have met my adorable genious musician, Ludwig van Beethoven 😊 Ludwig and Mikhail. What else could have been better? 😁 Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience ❤💜💛💚

[@cristieroeder413]

I know what you mean. I saw him when i was 12 years old ( im now 46 yrs old ) and i remember how i felt when i saw him dance like it was yesterday. I was so taken back at what i was watching; it felt like i couldnt blink i didnt want to blink! I cried the whole time he danced...i was that overcome with emotions.

[@alexiss4084]

I understand what you mean, Saw him dance live multiple times in nyc in the 80’s, he was magical, the best male principal of my 67 years.

[@susanladimer9115]

I know next to nothing about the intricacies of ballet but, in my 55 years I have never seen a more elegant male dancer. Bar none.

[@cliffordchase319]

RUDOLPH NUREYEV awaits you !

[@FCBalletTheatre]

Baryshnikov unique style and technique.

[@dancedance4169]

.

[@sergevadimov8346]

Да кто б в том когда сомневался

[@ЛиляЕсаян]

@@sergevadimov8346 Вот именно!

[@valerie8217]

@@sergevadimov8346 А я вот не просто сомневаюсь, я знаю, что вся уникальность Барышникова была в том, что он слинял на запад. И выделялся он на западе, поскольку конкурировать с ним было некому. Балет ведь - совсем не западная культура. Ну либо вы совсем далеки от балета. Васильев, Лиепа, Нуреев, Годунов, Фадеечев, Цискаридзе. Барышников в сравнении с ними рядовой танцор. Ну и фактура у него не балетная, не повезло ему с внешними данными. Не тянет он на уникального по всем параметрам.

[@SheilaR.08]

@@valerie8217 He's legendary. I saw him many times during his tenure with ABT in Washington DC. He was always flawless and thoroughly engaging.

[@cesathoresen3401]

He made it look effortless.

[@zizzie4081]

Such memories, thank you. My dad was the doctor at the Met, and he didn’t like ballet, so I got to sit in his seat and see Baryshnikov a whole lot as a child. The one thing that struck me was not so much how high he could jump, (he sure could), but he would jump and seem to stay aloft longer than the laws of physics should allow. It was breathtaking.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for sharing! Your dad didn't enjoy ballet after seeing Baryshnikov?

[@lynn_anderson2]

That was what always amazed me, how he seemed to leap and pause in the air before returning to earth.

[@zizzie4081]

@@KentGBecker He was an opera guy.

[@zizzie4081]

@@skylark5789 He was the doctor for the audience as well, there was always something, usually minor. But he was on duty when a singer died onstage of a heart attack. He also kept a list of the restaurants patronized by those stricken by food poisoning. The stories he told....

[@zizzie4081]

@@skylark5789 do remember what you saw? Must have been wonderful.

[@emasolie4135]

Baryshnikov is by far the best male dancer that has ever lived. He has no equal.

[@Sane-wq8ug]

Agree he's the best

[@tobiolopainto]

"By fat?" Last time I saw him, he was thin as usual.

[@emasolie4135]

@@tobiolopainto Best by far. Correction made. thanks

[@lolo.br69]

Nureyev! 👏👏👏👏

[@cards0486]

I was fortunate enough to see him on stage three times. I don’t care what anybody says. That man defied gravity. He would stay in the air longer than a normal human ever could!

[@doris6526]

@Anne Collins Yes!!😅

[@Sarcastic_Wino]

he is on my bucket list to see dance or even MEET...I am sure...he is one that will never be fulfilled...it is fine!!...at least I KNOW who Mikhail Baryshnikov is! To be SO BLESSED BY GOD!

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

OMG I am so jealous! I'm too young to have had the opportunity to see him live.

[@Armybrat173]

It's like he has strings attached to him , letting him fly higher and higher

[@janetmcgrath8426]

I saw him perform in Chicago once; and you are correct- he definitely defied gravity. Plus, he has probably the strongest "stage presence" I have ever seen; the whole audience literally leaned forward in unison when he stepped on stage. Amazing performance.

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

The very first Ballet I ever saw in person was with Baryshnikov... I was spoiled for life!

[@valmacclinchy]

Yes, it's not getting any better than that...

[@Bulbophile]

lol

[@mimi-fi7cq]

I can relate-my first was Rudolf Nureyev in Swan Lake.

[@drsuessl]

I’m thrilled that you were able to see him ❤️. I’ve been spending the last 40 years watching figure skating and has had the pleasure of seeing many top talents.

[@Wotan123456789]

Both good luck and bad luck!

[@celiabonadies5667]

Let's also appreciate the softness of his landings and the smoothness of his transitions.

[@KentGBecker]

Good point! Much to appreciate in his dancing

[@tyesdad7400]

How lucky we are to have seen Baryshnikov in person.

[@tobiolopainto]

Something you forgot to mention about Baryshnikov is that he dances in time to the music. Many other dancers complete their moves generally at the beginning and end of the music, but Baryshnikov sub-divides the bars of the music and his steps are on time in the subdivision. Most other dancers dance "agogically." This means that they're where they should be, generally speaking, at the beginning of a phrase and at the end. But in between, their steps are out of time. This is never true of Baryshnikov. He's always in time. This quality underscores the importance of the music and also give his dancing a formal perfection that most other dancers don't have.

[@KentGBecker]

Great comment on musicality. Thanks!

[@ГалинаЛуточка]

how wonderful you said about Misha's musicality!

[@noradennis4361]

That is one thing I always admired, he always kept time with the music.

[@jennifergrove2368]

I noticed that about him intuitively but never fully realized it until reading this.

[@nataliebaird8585]

I took ballet class one day with him. I was at the barre and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that his timing was completely different than anyone else in the room. So what you were saying is true. I had never seen it described.

[@ffeff8353]

The thing about Baryshnikov is that he has it all: musicality, athleticism, technique, charisma, acting talent, and that he clearly put in the sweat, blood, and tears required. In most human endeavors, there are occasionally people so amazingly gifted that even someone who knows nothing about that particular endeavor can immediately spot just how superior these special people are -- someone with no experience of ballet would immediately know that Baryshnikov is beyond reach, even when surrounded by other talented dancers. He is truly incomparable.

[@gloriaperetti]

totalmente de acuerdo.....

[@ffeff8353]

@@gloriaperetti -- Genio único e irrepetible!

[@emerybayblues]

Very true. I don't watch much ballet. But when I first saw Baryshikov, I knew I was seeing someone unique.

[@cameliap1146]

How true. We can see that on the spot. No ballet training necessary. And in the mean time the politically correctness say... we are equals. Some are more equals then others !

[@ffeff8353]

@Beyond Memory Old Movies -- hahaha that too! Well, at any rate, I agree with you...

[@PatriciaPalmer-o3e]

KVELL I was privileged to see Margot Fontyn, Nurayev and Baryshnikov dance, Callas sing and Bernstein conduct. Extraordinarily privileged. 🙏

[@KentGBecker]

Quite a list of great artists!

[@aniluap1922]

😮

[@PatriciaPalmer-o3e]

​​​@@aniluap1922I saw Baryshnikov a number of times and it literally looked like he suspended himself midair for a split second before completing the movement. It was breathtaking. Never saw anything like it and the world probably will never again. Dimash Qudaibergen, 29, a young vocalist is the only genius in performance I've seen since. He, too is a breathtaking talent in his versatility, which is a defining characteristic of genius.

[@jacquelinelynch4713]

I tried hard to be objective. No contest: Baryshnikov is precise, elegant, stunning. He goes so far beyond what others do, it is hard to take in. He delivers on technique, on showmanship (without silly excess), and on the undeterminable artistic delivery of the sublime. If you know nothing at all about ballet, watching Baryshnikov will still reveal to you greatness. You will know--this is the very best that is possible for a human being to achieve.

[@cliffordchase319]

Yea .....but Nureyev could jump around a little bit.... you know..

[@QuakerLady]

I just watched White Nights. While the story was lacking, the dancing was wonderful. Two brilliant dancers, very different styles. I started scouring KZbin for more Baryshnikov. What a gift he is.

[@KentGBecker]

I have a video on White Nights that might be of interest.

[@natalyaklevitsky7831]

Good movie

[@annewelch-uk1of]

I took ballet lessons when I was four years old. I had weak legs, and ballet helped to strengthen them. Now, I still have very strong legs and can walk to and from the Senior Center, a twenty minute walk each way. I'm 66 years old. Some of the seniors aren't able to walk and take the busses for seniors and disabled people. God bless everyone.

[@jillsy2815]

Same! Just binged all his stuff! ❤

[@maryb8150]

Watch the movie Dancers. He is outstanding in that

[@НадеждаСчастливова]

Он невероятен!Его невозможно не любить!Влюбилась сразу!Он что-то отдаёт,мы не знаем что,но это не просто балет-это магия от самого человека,а потом уже безупречный балет!Виват король!Настоящий 👑 король балета!!!!

[@patriciagonzalez2377]

Mikhail Baryshnikovr is the greatest classical dancer of Ballet History. He is simplely: Impeccable.. 👍🏻❤️

[@Atheria444]

I am crushing on Mikhail all over again in 2020. :-)

[@infiniLor]

Such beauty! !! 😮 😍

[@glory207]

And me !!!

[@fifty-somethingwitch2406]

Me too. What a beautiful man ❤️

[@fionahiggins6682]

I am coming in in 2021 ! Good grief .... awesome .... Legend !

[@lorakarlash248]

Not a single masterpiece performed by Mikhail is captured ... not a single part, a classical role, performed phenomenally or better than other dancers. This is confirmed by the available records. Against the background of impeccable both in technique and in appearance, excellent duet partners and classical dancers Brune, Dowell, Bukhones, Bissell - Mikhail fades

[@dadyarusski4594]

I’m sorry, but can we also note that this man is absolutely stunning to look at, as well as an excellent dancer!

[@kristinholsapple2587]

Thank you that's exactly what I thought and I loved him Sex in the City lol

[@Mika-dv1os]

Godunov was stunning, but nobody mentioned him, thou he was ever rivel of Baryshnikov. And the last one was envy of Godunov and still doesn't like talk about him.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

We can ..did..noted. I saw " The turning Point" when it was released, at a cinema in SF..after his dancing the audience burst into applause and shrieking..it was amazing because nobody had seen this effortless, wonderful technique before, or such a man as he...I will never forget it..If I have said this before - well I'm not sorry!!!

[@gaiadove]

His dancing was so beautiful… and he is just so handsome… what an amazing human…

[@conshiusbean7401]

Something no one ever mentions is that one aspect that makes Baryshnikov such a visual pleasure to watch, apart from his incomparable grace, technique, athleticism and mastery, is that his body is so perfectly proportioned that every part of his movements are perfectly balanced.

[@helenekahn6700]

proportion counts for a whole lot

[@micheleh5269]

I feel that whenever he dances, despite the genre, he is the most compelling dancer onstage. He seems to have such perfect body position on every move

[@robinlillian9471]

VERY well "proportioned".

[@laurienneyates4799]

The dancer with whom Mikhail is compared, is tall. Proportion there not as perfect as Mikhail's compact frame.

[@rahlfchristine2295]

and also his charisma ,incredible this man

[@kristiLB93]

He will always be the ultimate standard bearer in Ballet for me. There have been many wonderful dancers through the years, but I've never seen Baryshnikov's equal!

[@doris6526]

No hubo, ni habrá otro como Misha!!!!

[@mayabosch4493]

4me also Maya Plisenskaja

[@doris6526]

@@mayabosch4493 Male!!!

[@kristiLB93]

@Cameron I know Gudunov was considered a great, I just haven't seen much footage of him. I grew up watching Baryshnikov. I have loads of dance books featuring him. I just adored his style and interpretation! I need to find about Godunov and learn more about him!

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Daniil Simkin comes very close in terms of style

[@MMMa3]

I must have watched his Don Quixote solo a hundred times but only now I noticed that the 2 cups hit the floor exactly at the final note of the music. Speaking of timing !

[@valmacclinchy]

M, yes, his timing is absolutely perfect!

[@coolrelax82]

That Giselle performance brought me to tears. Literally. I've never seen anyone dance so beautifully in my LIFE.

[@KentGBecker]

Agree, it was a great performance with Makarova

[@psalm2764]

I agree, when he came out galloping like a horse I couldn't believe my eyes. I watched that moment over and over again.

[@exaudi33]

I saw him dance Giselle with Gelsey Kirkland in '82 and never recovered from it.

[@deespence8629]

What can be said? The man is brilliant! He’s the epitome of male grace and beauty!!! And he floats in the air🙏🙏🙏

[@jcortese3300]

This dude was like a human cat -- subject to gravity only by consent.

[@adhdartistslife384]

Ha ha ha!!! Yes!!!!! 😻

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Meow!

[@sorellman]

"Where is Baryshnikov?" "In the air. He'll be back in a few minutes."

[@MayimHastings]

Lol! Truth!

[@elenapalacios6853]

Exactly my thoughts, ALMOST as graceful as my cat!!

[@TheArqadesh]

I loved watching him dance in the 80s. I thought he was the most beautiful man on earth.

[@gennyzentella4692]

He is definitely beautiful, amazing talented. He's got it all. So great to enjoy him in these videos.💗

[@latifahgordeeva6198]

Me too

[@TheRhiannonwelles]

me too, had a poster of him at college

[@TheLindaLou1]

Gorgeous man and dancer! Incomparable technique and expressiveness!

[@liliharaszti7583]

He certainly is one of them. It's his talent (+hard work) and his inner reflexion. He is beautiful inside out.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

What many might not know about him is that he studied gymnastics in Russia before he began ballet. He was comfortable in the air and in occupying space. His time doing gymnastics helped facilitate that along with his incredible confidence…

[@melissamackessy3372]

Ahhhh that explain it. I didn't know that.. Being a gymnast then a dancer is the perfect coupling.... Thanks for your post... 💃🤸‍♀️

[@annchurchill2638]

THat explains a lot.THanks.

[@violettrojo]

that's why I've always felt similarities with Sylvie ! I didn't know thant. Thank you.

[@anahitsarkisyan2320]

Since when Latvia is Russia?

[@PaulaDautremont]

@@melissamackessy3372 That is why VanDamme was so nimble as a martial artist. He was trained in classic ballet by his mother prior to becoming a martial artist.

[@emilybennett6567]

I appreciate his anticipation and timing when he drops the wineglasses in the finale. He releases the glasses about a beat-and-a-half before the orchestra plays the final emphatic note, allowing the glasses to impact the stage with that note. Sublime. Time stamp 2:00

[@lindatannock]

In modern days it could be defined as a mic-drop for sure! After that solo being absolutely incredible! 👏🏻👏🏻🔥

[@soniavadnjal7553]

And the audience appreciated it, I think. The solo itself was superb. He's so stylish.

[@stephaniemcpherson2558]

Legendary! They’ll never be another Baryshnikov!!!!! ❤

[@georgesealy4706]

I never like to say things like that. Never is a long time.

[@richardsanchez9190]

3:27 I know nothing about ballet but that lunge means that dude has CRAZY leg strength. To be able to control the force of coming down with that amount of force and control it so smoothly. Badass

[@laurahicks9558]

He was just such a perfect specimen of a man. His aesthetics were gorgeous. His neck, his jawline, face, legs..INSANE!

[@laurahicks9558]

@@Caneladorada That goes without saying. 😁

[@SorayaEsfandiary_]

🍑🍑🍑

[@Texaslawhorn]

@@SorayaEsfandiary_ 👌

[@amberleitao4727]

Oh my Jesus, In the Don Quijote solo after he takes a drink from both the cups, the jumping/turning sequence that follows is just MESMERIZING 😱 I love his presence on stage. He’s light on his feet but grounded. He’s got great playfulness and storytelling abilities in his acting and just the way he carries himself is incredible. His leaps, his turns, his beautiful legs. I’ve been a lover of Baryshnikov since I was a child ❤️❤️❤️

[@leylag1466]

His performance made me cry when I was 7 and still makes me cry at 45. Extraordinary talent and a true privilege to watch.

[@АнжеликаХорсева]

Величайший!!!!Захватывает дух, когда смотришь, как он танцует..... Браво!

[@АлександрЧернев-ш3й]

Великие это А.Годунов и В.Васильев но ни как ни Барышников.

[@ОльгаФедотова-у8г]

​@@АлександрЧернев-ш3йневежество и зависть - твое все

[@АлександрЧернев-ш3й]

@@ОльгаФедотова-у8г не очень умно . Чему завидовать? На ты, не переходили. Воспитание явно страдает.

[@ОльгаФедотова-у8г]

@АлександрЧернев-ш3й ха, еще всякие завистники про воспитание будут говорить.

[@АлександрЧернев-ш3й]

@ОльгаФедотова-у8г да тяжёлый случай, больна на всю голову

[@axiomist1076]

He literally flies, going up about 4 feet in the air and coming down so softly. Hes incredible. I love Barishnikov.

[@bcaye]

I am not a ballet fan, but to me he has always been the GOAT. He truly seems to float in the air. The amount of thought, determination and athleticism!

[@vonniehull6992]

Baryshnikov and Fred Astaire shared a unique talent... their bodies moved totally and perfectly... head to toe... fingertip to fingertip... every movement was fluid and flawless. THAT is what made them unique and The Best.

[@jordansjul]

Agree! And why I always found Astaire’s dancing preferable to Gene Kelly

[@terrybrowning-e9b]

i always loved his remark about how he did it. he said "its simple, one leaps into the air and one stays there.

[@PatriziaRaffone]

Con i tuoi salti e volteggi hai superato le leggi della natura!!!!! 👏

[@GretaZ-dd3lu]

I love how, in the Don Quixote solo, all the dancers on stage are just enthralled by his performance. It's like, despite being on stage and in character, they can't help but stop and watch him. They are just mesmerized. I agree with you, he truly is the best ever!

[@carolynfeldman9643]

How can you NOT have a crush on this guy! He's perfection. Sexy, athletic, charismatic, handsome, beautiful physique and the best ballet dancer of all time. 💜😍

[@syorich1403]

Yep! That about sums it up. 😍

[@giovannasperni2095]

I totally agree no one like Misha

[@helenekahn6700]

if he were a jerk, I would not have a crush on him. As most really awesome ballet dancers are he's a humble guy.

[@APoetsCorner]

Misha definitely was sexyyy, charming, and had a great physique.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

The mark of a true great...when you can take the expected, take it up a notch and not only make it your own but make it something people are talking about and are in awe of 30-40 years later!

[@kellypilon2422]

I always find myself holding my breath watching him.

[@ellenmurphy2150]

Baryshnikov is in a class all by himself. No- one can dance like him.

[@АлександрЧернев-ш3й]

Посмотрите как танцует А.Годунов и Вы увидите очень большую разницу. С Годуновым ни кто не сравнится ни Нуреев ни Барышников.

[@Перечный_Супчик]

​@@АлександрЧернев-ш3й💯💯💯💯💯

[@Myshkina-pq8lv]

​@@АлександрЧернев-ш3йвы уверены, что понимаете в балете? У вас есть балетное образование?

[@2115virgo13]

He was beautiful to watch.

[@GiftPrincessBuhman]

Indeed!

[@violetwilliamson2570]

Mikhail is legendary for a reason...he was a brilliant dancer and simply put breathtaking to behold! My favorite!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sophiam3923]

Baryshnikov is the best male dancer ever! He has it all. He is the best in everything . Even in contemporary dancing he is amazing. There is no equal till today. I have been watching him since 7 years old and I have never seen anyone better than him or even equal. It is Baryshnikov on the top and the rest. He is A LEGEND in ballet world.

[@kathleenogrady8459]

Nureyev

[@heinrichvisser8518]

He made me to become a ballet dancer and RAD ballet teacher myself. He is a legend and he think that he has done so much for bringing more men into the world of ballet as well. It's no a sissy world as it was in the olden days.

[@biancaspinarenzicchi6734]

Splendore di grazia bellezza bravura leggerezza fantastico❤❤

[@librasoul6282]

Приземление на одну ногу из высочайшего уровня прыжка! Фантастично!

[@Gurci28]

2:31

[@claudiapharaoh1040]

He was a true legend. He has been the most incredible dancer I have ever seen. Absolutely amazing.!!!

[@seattlegrrlie]

He truly had the best jumps and the most beautiful legs. It was always a joy to watch him dance

[@maribelbarquie]

As a former cuban ballet dancer who was in Cuba when Mikhail Baryshnikov visited "The National Ballet of Cuba", There are not enough words to express his talent, technique and artistic magnificent qualities.. In my eyes, Mikhail Baryshnikov was perfection like no other and one of the best if not the best of our days....He forever be eternal! I personally love the dancer, his spirited approach to every taken steps as his innovations...his constant challenge & self competition as his endless love , dedication and respect to the ballet world, to himself and to all of us.....Mikhail Baryshnikov forever love! 🌹👏....Thanks!

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks Maribel. You may also want to check out my Carlos Acosta video.

[@DeeL-u1c]

One of the best things about growing up in NYC in the 70s is sneaking off to see Baryshnikov at Lincoln Centre with Gelsey Kirkland for an afternoon matinee as a high schooler and of course Live from the Met on PBS. Good times.

[@KentGBecker]

WOW! I've never seen Baryshnikov live. Must have been electric to see him in his prime.

[@TheBorzoilover]

There has been male Ballet dancers and then there was Mikhail Baryshnikov he was a god in every way possible, what a dancer he came into this world to show us mortals how Ballet dancing should be done...Bravo Bravo Bravo, i shall never ever get tired of watching his perfomances even though they maybe years old now.

[@lorakarlash248]

Not a single masterpiece performed by Mikhail is captured ... not a single part, a classical role, performed phenomenally or better than other dancers. This is confirmed by the available records. Against the background of impeccable both in technique and in appearance, excellent duet partners and classical dancers Brune, Dowell, Bukhones, Bissell - Mikhail fades (and even with the appearance of Godunov in ABT ... Mikhail, in order to somehow remind himself of himself, needs it was to get rid of all the STARS.In the age of the Internet, you can say a lot and extol, but it is worth looking and everything falls into place ... BABY - a dancer cannot be a prince, cannot be a hero., cannot be a good partner in a classic duet From the aesthetic point of view, it is a failure.

[@chinoisdoll]

@@lorakarlash248 I agree that Baryshnikov is short and didn't fit the Russian ideal of a leading star. That is why he defected. Nonetheless, I, a dancer myself, love his dancing above all other male dancers. As the world progresses, nowadays people can do technical stuff he wasn't able to do. But ballet is first and foremost, art, not sport. Also, he has good proportions, with the right size partner. It still looks very good. But I did see other (old russian stars) better pas de duex.

[@МаргаритаЗлобина-р6п]

Впервые в жизни я увидела танец Барышникова. Браво!!! Кроме раскошной техники, какая энергетика и удовольствие от собственного танца. Спасибо!!!!

[@trymenot81]

This was the age to study ballet as we had such impeccable examples of excellence to which we could hope to attain. I was formed a dancer by a no nonsense former ballerina from the Met. She was the consummate professional who discovered my capabilities by observing my raw talent to obtain elevation. She framed my abilities with the eternal phrase "Troy, you must command the air" as she nurtured the process by which I did accomplish this feat . It opened the door to nearly every audition I would attend. Yet a better future awaited. Thanks to God.

[@themurrrr]

I was just admiring the incredible high jumps when I read your comment. Indeed, he looks like he could take flight if he wanted to, he commanded the air. I envy you for your talent and praise you for your discipline to perfect it. Wishing you all the success this world could offer you Greetings from Curaçao

[@trymenot81]

@@themurrrr I am immensely grateful that you were able to capture my love for the talent that I was given. However, the very appreciation of my spectators is what caused me to flee the life upon the stage. It was an intensely personal experience that led me to come back to earth, shying away from the incredible praise that came my way. I couldn't accept the credit for what was bestowed upon me by an awesome creator, who really deserves all adoration. At last I was horribly ashamed when I heard Him ask me, "Is this what you really want, to have people adore you? " I sought the humility I was in danger of losing, and was apologetic to the one who had questioned me. I had acquired the truth relatively early that, pleasing humans is an easy thing to do. The experience was and remains a profound one. Suffice to say, it was at this point that my path diverged. Undoubtedly, I would have embarked upon a successful career, but again I was relegated to abound by the Hands of my creator instead of by the applauding hands of my fellow beings.

[@livelaughdance5544]

Beautiful words. A lover of dance and practice.

[@juliawild5173]

@@trymenot81 Humility...the mark of the truly enlightened.

[@pansepot1490]

Why would god bestow a gift on someone and then wish it go to waste? “I chose to please god instead of humans” is often the excuse people with not enough talent and/or perseverance give to themselves and to others. This very person who claims humility, is boasting of their “humility” and seeking praise from strangers in a KZbin comment section. To me, it reeks of desperation for human sympathy and proves that god’s hands are cold and unfulfilling.

[@jacquelinealbornoz6702]

There's always someone that makes a before and after... He definitely will be the best of all times!!!

[@lifeandfaith]

I was lucky enough to see him perform twice and even got his autograph. And, yes, we all gasped in the audience. It was spontaneous. It was natural.

[@caribeandude1]

Mikhail Baryshnikov's dancing is other worldly. A true wonder to behold. Breathtaking!!!!

[@dianadomingues9285]

Saw Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland dance Don Quixote ..It was an out of body experience for me. .Technique, musicality, acting... ..What they did onstage was purely amazing...

[@jondavwal13]

I saw this in my teens. To this day, the greatest dancing I’ve ever seen. However, I would say she was a bit better than he was. I’ve never seen anybody dance like she did before or since. In her autobiography she describes it as a “Rocky fantasy”. They literally were trying to dance each other off the stage.

[@АлександрЧернев-ш3й]

Посмотрите как танцуют Дон Кихота Екатерина Максимова и В.Васильев и Вы увидите огромную разницу. Им нет равных.

[@marcia21]

I was graced to see him twice, first when I was a teen ager and then about 25 years later or more. His presence undertakes our senses. More than the perfection and beauty of his movements, which we can see in a video like this, our souls fly with him in the magnetic field of his dance. Thank God and bless him.

[@nataliya4340]

Это не "дар", это гениальность! Спасибо,Михаил, за счастье видеть ваш танец!

[@stressmuffin]

To me, Baryshnikov will always be the ballet king of the 1980’s/ballet idol but also eternal ballet king, because well….look at these videos of his performances.

[@marido7591]

Да, завораживает. Как сказала одна дама ниже - месмеризирует :). Впечатление примерно такое, как было от летающего Коперфильда при первом знакомстве. Смотришь и не веришь своим глазам. Невероятно и очень красиво. И хочется ещё.

[@НинельБондаренко-с5г]

Это танцор такого класса, когда смотреть хочется именно на него, а не на балерину! Самый техничный и великолепный

[@deelynn9932]

Following Nureyev's immense global popularity, Baryshnikov was heralded as the premier ballet star capable of doing leaps at heights formerly thought impossible for a human being to do and with such tight precision overall, the audience sat mesmerized. Was fortunate to see him perform. Everything Mr. Becker notes in this clip is wholly accurate!

[@DocBree13]

I’m so very happy for you that you were able to see him dance live, especially since you, unlike many of us “laypersons,” understood exactly what you were seeing. ❤️

[@wheepingwillow24u17]

I LOVE TO WATCH HIM DANCE AND SAIL INTO THE AIR WITH SUCH ASTOUNDING GRACE. IS HE STILL ALIVE?

[@danaeroberts684]

Wonderful explanation of his technique and power!

[@KandeShack]

I saw him dance The Nutcracker many years ago. A night I will never forget!!

[@valmacclinchy]

That must've been amazing.

[@abdallahoweis5582]

Wooooooowwwwwwwwwww

[@ceciliapreziose3783]

me too

[@ikreer9777]

I would have loved to have seen that. My PBS station as a teenager showed his version of the Nutcracker every December for years. Now it's like it never existed. ☹️

[@anastasiiawarner2030]

Гений танца и прыжка ! А передача эмоций и энергии за предельные🙌

[@Strykehjerne]

Had the privilege of meeting him in private, during practice. At the long gone mudra in bxl. Humble. Honest and. (Maybe that comes with the territory of being such a great working talent.. but) I guess I was surprised to find him so very unassuming and inclusive. In a situation he could easily have made into anything he wanted. In addition to all the other qualifications he had.

[@syorich1403]

Thanks for sharing that. It isn’t often that anyone gives credit to a mega talented person for being a nice person as well.

[@mircobarana8429]

MAESTOSO , GRANDE , UNA FLUIDITA' NEI MOVIMENTI . UNO STUDIO DEL PROPRIO CORPO , LA CONSAPEVOLEZZA DI QUELLO CHE PUO' FARE , DEI MOVIMENTI AMPI ECC. CHE ALTRO PERFETTO

[@rockie6890]

The greatest dancer in his field. Blows me away with the heights he reaches. PURE MAGIC.

[@msrocker2121]

I saw him once not long before he retired. I was amazed at how softly he landed and how high he could still leap. It was a dream come true.

[@patmaurer8541]

His altitude on jumps is phenomenal! Breathtaking! ❤

[@lisakillz1853]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@doctorshell7118]

This was incredible. He was my first crush. Excellent commentary.

[@russhamer]

He is amazing. Great commentary, especially for those who know the names of the steps. What is so remarkable about Barishnikov is his incredible whole-body musicality - all of him dances, right to the ends of his fingers, his feet his head, eyes. He carries and evokes the music, the rhythm, with every inch of his body, complete self-awareness. In that, he has achieved what is the most sublime about dance; when the dance and the music and drama have become one creature. He breathes the music, carries us into it with him in a way that is so rare, but so transcendant when it happens. And it happens all the time with Brayshnikov!

[@TRWoods914]

russhamer, that just covered me in goosebumps. Such truth.

[@xio3857]

very well said.

[@donnaa7226]

So eloquently put.

[@russhamer]

@@donnaa7226 thank you so much. I am a dancer when I was taking modern dance classes in NYC with the Nikolias Dance Company, one of the things Alwin stressed was to become ever more body-aware, and to even extend our awareness far beyond our bodies, how the simplest gestures could convey (for example) the extension of energy from your arm through your hand and fingers, out to infinity. And in Misha's dance, I always marvelled at the totality of his body awareness and how his musicality was conveyed from his toes to the fingertips to the gestures of his face. With Baryshnikov, we dance with him. We experience a sense of freedom and effortlessness while he is exerting super-human effort to capture such freedom and joy for all to share.

[@psalm2764]

The thing is he does it so effortlessly.

[@robertacolarette1594]

I love watching him. It’s such a joy to see someone supremely confident and with such a command of the stage. He’s in total control of his body and technique. Just perfection. No one like him.

[@karrisajoss4271]

I tried ballet as a child/teenager and it is so hard, takes hours of practice every day of the week. It is a passion, a life, a lifestyle to perfect. Wow, amazing and perfection to achieve.🤗👏😇

[@LB-px9td]

He was the Michael Jordan of ballet. Just like Jordan jumped so high he seemed to defy gravity so rich Baryshnikov. His leaps were magnificent. He seemed to fly , and he makes it all look so effortless. No one will ever surpass him

[@kristinholsapple2587]

Lol I like that !

[@alexeypopov7703]

Baryshnikov and Godunov were fierce rivals. But, Baryshnikov was the better performer. Everything he did, his approach to technique and delivery of a variation - are all components that today's etoile dancers still aspire to. In that way, he is like Mike!

[@Annie-wn1zx]

What a TOTAL BADASS!!!!!!!!!! There’s no one else that I have more respect for in the entire ballet universe! 🤴❤️ What I would give to be able to meet him and have one 2 minute conversation with!!!

[@incinc9068]

his elevation is godly. I gasped in that first movement of the solo along wth everyone in the audience. Absolutely stunning.

[@victorialmartinez]

Every time I see Mikhail dancing I’m amazed by his perfect muscle control. It’s breathtaking how much he could control at the same time. And how handsome he was! 😍😍😍

[@valmacclinchy]

Still is!

[@victorialmartinez]

@@valmacclinchy absolutely right. He is insanely handsome. I felt even more in love with him in Sex and the city jajajaj.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@victorialmartinez I agree! Got angry with Carrie when she ended it lol. Did you see the movie White Nights?

[@margarettelaizure3220]

Someone like Baryshnikov only comes around once. Like a miracle.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

He inspired me to learn dance & in 1992 I “auditioned” for PTC(Paul Taylor Dance Company) at Gerlinger Annex at the University of Oregon. *•..•*

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for sharing your inspiration! He was a role model for many, myself included.

[@stevenlovell3300]

This was way over the top for me Misha looks The type of musculature of an alabaster statue this was just amazing I loved it❤

[@suzzym1]

I was so fortunate to live in the NY metro area and see a number of his performances as a teenager. Simply the best.

[@doris6526]

Yes, the best!!!

[@kimowilliams7032]

I’m so jealous!!!!!

[@Nina_6621]

Omg! Beautiful

[@katinapactol-baez1317]

I'm just going to ahead and state the obvious, stunning, beautiful, he simply (or rather not so simply) flies as he leaps across the stage. I wish i could have seen him in person.

[@Catmoore60]

I was lucky enough to see him dance, but in addition to his exquisite technique, lovely lines and staggering height to his leaps, he was always fully expressing the part he was playing. Facial expressions, body posture, slowing or speeding to express the emotional content of the story. I sat rapt, and would gladly have done so many times over. He was a wonder to behold, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

[@viktorya2008]

He flies. Stays on the air as though with strings holding him up! 💝

[@MarchionessDarby62]

I had the great privilege of seeing Baryshnikov as a kid - what a phenomenon!

[@JasmineApple]

This was excellent! I grew up in KY - not a hotbed of ballet, but the Louisville Ballet enticed Baryshnikov to come as a guest dancer. It was the first time I understood what the phrase 'takes your breath away' really means. I literally could not breath. He was magnificent! I'll forever be grateful that he agreed to come to Louisville, otherwise there are so many other people like me who would never have experienced his brilliance in person! Thank you for this detailed analysis! It makes me appreciate him all the more!

[@milerado6396]

Вот ето хозяйство. И яйца ему не мешают, значит хороший танцор.

[@astridwollerton1493]

:oil change for a

[@Loveoldies50]

He looks like he's flying when he leaps! Watching him is like watching magic! He is SO graceful, and makes it look effortless! I don't know much about ballet, but I know beauty and skill when I see it. His dancing made me a great fan. I wish I could have seen him in person, and I’m very grateful that we have his performances on video for all generations to appreciate. He may well be the best ballet dancer EVER. He is the genius that all dancers hope to emulate.

[@cezartb]

2 min into the video and I feel I am watching a superhero in action

[@yves-vv6uf]

Unbelievable ❤❤❤thank you

[@suzieq1704]

Looks like Baryshnikov is being held up by wire. Unfortunately, I was never able to see him in person, but, over the years, I have watched him often on KZbin. Never, never tire of watching him. A bit of a miracle dancer.

[@joanhumphrey3096]

I saw him in Toronto, when he defected, and never realized what I was seeing. Quite awesome! Thank you for this super video!