Mikhail Baryshnikov Spectacular Turning Point Solos

[@shanasmith4176]

Mr. Mikhail Baryshnikov is the greatest male dancer's ever. He is absolutely amazing and magnificent

[@sharonreichter2537]

No one quite like Baryshnikov in my opinion. The best.

[@veecee3669]

Mikhail Baryshnikov did for ballet what Luciano Pavarotti did for opera. They both compelled people who had no prior interest in ballet or opera to want to see them perform, and I believe many people became fans because of their otherworldly talent.

[@KentGBecker]

Interesting comparison. Thanks!

[@veecee3669]

@K G Becker. You're welcome! 😊

[@lauracorriss9538]

Absolutely agree. Although I was always a fan of opera and especially ballet, I know so many that they pulled into their orbits. White Nights is one of my favorite movies. Made when he was older, but he was still so incredible.

[@veecee3669]

@Laura Corriss. I know ballet takes a toll on the body, but he was only 37 when White Nights was made. Only in sports and dance would that be considered older. Funny to think that 37 would still be considered "youngish" in most professions! 😊

[@darlenecannon2873]

Actually Rudolph Nureyev was before Mikhail in spectacular ability. He died in his 40’s from AIDS (when we didn’t have treatment yet). Watch the clip of him dancing with Margot Fonteyn. You will cry at the beauty.

[@terraalbritton6405]

The fact that we are still breathlessly watching and analyzing his performances now solidifies and reaffirms his legendary status as the best male ballet dancer in recorded history.

[@valmacclinchy]

Exactly 💯

[@andraanzano8378]

You know it’s rarely said… it’s always that Nuriyev was the greatest male dancer but I happen to agree with you 100%, I was very blessed to see Baryshnikov when he first defected and many years afterwards and in my opinion there was no one who was more innovative, athletic and when in a romantic role was breathlessly beautiful. So I also believe he was the greatest male ballet dancer

[@Brembelia]

Misha is mesmerizing in his dance. Thank heaven for recordings. Every generation that loves ballet will watch his mastery and experience a unique awe for his fabulous drive and ability.

[@sda141]

And with tears! Simply stunning

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Outstanding. Mesmerising. Breathtaking. Masterful. Beautiful.

[@geovaniamendonca]

I totally agree. He is phenomenal! ❤❤❤❤

[@MamaKalash]

Unbelievable talent and athleticism! Just mind-blowing!

[@amyrosenold-music-healing-yoga]

No one else could stun, thrill and excite like Baryshnikov!

[@daphnethurlow5388]

He was followed like a pop star..extraordinary man and dancer

[@sophiam3923]

He is the best male dancer of all times. He is talented, hard working, the highest jumps ever seen, has everything. EVERYTHING!!!!!! He takes the 100% perfect to a higher level. Out of this world! Mikhail Baryshnikov is THE LEGEND!!!!!

[@annamattos8627]

The fact that he could complete all those turns and jumps, finishing them so precisely and always on time with the music!!! It looked amazingly clean and controlled, and also so expressive! The best male dancer of all time.

[@user-ut4zw6so6o]

That’s what impresses me too. The tempo is so fast and he’s always on the beat and on top of that, still cleanly done

[@valmacclinchy]

He's one with the music, always! I love The Turning Pointe, White Nights, and Dancers too.

[@annamattos8627]

@@valmacclinchy White Nights and Dancers are amazing! Never got to watch Turning Point, unfortunately.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@annamattos8627 I saw White Nights in the movie theater 4 times when it came out. Baryshnikov and Hines were amazing together. I think you can get The Turning Point on DVD (can't find it streaming anywhere)

[@annamattos8627]

@@valmacclinchy I'll try to find it!!!

[@bowwow8649]

Even now, 45 years later, it looks outstanding!!!

[@Bellawhite1]

I have loved Mikhail Baryshnikov for many years. Rip Gregory Hines.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for tuning in! I have a video on White Nights with Baryshnikov and Hines that may be of interest.

[@bethwilliams4903]

As a little girl learning ballet, dreaming ballerinas and fantasizing all the parts for ballerinas I can only say Baryshnikov was the first male dancer who knocked my eyes out, took my breath away - still does. What a technical master of surpassing energy and grace!

[@lazyferrretwhoever2257]

I am not knowledgable about ballet steps but I know what I like to see. This man is simply stunning.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@smallstepsdaily]

I’m the same way. I know what I like, and I really admire his skill.

[@yves-vv6uf]

He certainly is a great dancer,and perhaps the best 👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩👏👏👏

[@yves-vv6uf]

Thank goodness for your reply and appreciation for exceptional dancing ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@erinjohnson1124]

A true icon of the stage. He will always be my favorite dancer of all time.

[@valmacclinchy]

Yes!! He's still performing in stage plays even now in 2022.

[@andreazima]

Mine toooooo

[@ЛидияЛаврецкая]

Наша русская балетная школа всех сильнее! Так что не гордитесь особо нашими артистами балета ,они все равно Наши !

[@jungeunpark4313]

Absolutely true ❤

[@lyndadavis8598]

@@valmacclinchy😅 13:08

[@blktauna]

Mischa owns that Don Quixote solo. Absolutely owns it. He always looked like it was just effortlessly flowing out of him, like it was no work at all. Just stupendous.

[@sandragostanian8878]

I was lucky to meet him and have him sign my pointe shoes - he was amazing in every performance!

[@KentGBecker]

Wow! What a great experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@valmacclinchy]

That's wonderful! He is still performing in stage plays now, even in 2022.

[@doris6526]

Hermoso video!! Gracias 🙂

[@reelincoln7747]

If I ever Mer him I would break down weeping

[@sandragostanian8878]

@@reelincoln7747 He is much shorter in stature than I expected. On stage, he is a giant!!!

[@BBMc107]

It is impossible to pay attention to the other dancers when Baryshnikov is on stage. His performances are so overwhelmingly fantastic! His precision is so noticeable, he is perfection.

[@bbbartolo]

The Turning Point is one of my favorites too. One of the best portrayals of an artist in all of filmdom ("I had to have that ballet," Anne Bancroft's character said without apology, hinting that no one, no force could get between herself and her art. And willing to lie for her art. When I heard that line it was goosebumps)

[@quwaran.7264]

His precision and strength is incredible. He makes extremely difficult turns look easy🤯

[@carsb121]

I always was fascinated by ballet, but I absolutely fell in love with Misha & ballet when the Turning Point came out. LOVE!! 💗🏆

[@michelewarren5311]

It is amazing to watch. If you stop the video at any point, you STILL see no flaw in his positions! Breathtaking and beautiful!

[@lilaccilla]

I remember the movie barely , but I remember his amazing jumps and spins and charisma

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for tuning in! I have another video on the Turning Point that may be of interest.

[@deborah5212]

Ong!! This man is unbelievable! He’s the best of the best nobody comes even close ! What a Dancer!!

[@melodiasinger]

@@ashtonkennedy3652 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ el es perfecto!!!

[@doris6526]

Es perfecto!!!! Nadie lo igualó, jamás!!

[@cheryl6404]

He is an angel. He flies like no other.

[@joanhoffman3702]

Many years ago, I watched his version of the Nutcracker. With his leaps, as if he was suspended in air, he absolutely defied gravity. What a dancer!

[@PatriziaRaffone]

Il più grande di tutti i tempi!!!!! L eccellenza della danza sarai per sempre tu!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@achevres]

I saw the movie as a teenager with my mom and sister. When it finished, we all looked at each other and agreed to stay and watch the next showing. Couldn't get enough of Baryshnikov. We both took ballet and my mom had been a profesional dancer. I love your videos and analysis. Thank you!

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@donnatritz7865]

I saw Baryshnikov 2 or 3 times in the 1980’s when he was with the ABT. His jumps were amazing. Watching him, you got the feeling he might just fly up into the lights. When he jumped, it felt as if he paused for seconds at the top of the jump. Felt as if he was just suspended in mid-air. I doubt there’ll ever be another dancer like him.

[@lydiapnevmaticou3857]

@donnatritz, it is true! His body helps him a lot, as he is short; and his training helps him even better

[@alijames180]

Yes technically brilliant no one has matched him yet, it’s 2022!🎉

[@alijames180]

The elevation is extraordinary

[@michelefritze3988]

I watch these videos over and over. Never get tired of them or his magnificent dancing.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

I saw the film in a cinema in San Fancisco..When the film came to his dance sequences the audience started cheering and clapping. It was crazy and extraordinary - so was the dancing. Personally I'd never seen anything like it ..few years later saw him dance at Covent Garden.....Legend.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for your thoughts and memories. You may want to check out an updated version of the video I released yesterday.

[@nancyjohnson5810]

This ballet virtuoso is by far in the best athletic shape one can ascribe to of any sport. He is in total control of every inch of his body, amazing and brilliant.

[@chbonnet]

Some male pro athletes, especially football, take ballet classes to improve agility, for muscle strength, to avoid injury.

[@SmartStart24]

He put his heart, soul and personal style into every move. It’s like great singers really feel every word they sing. Great dancers really feel every move they make!

[@gretaenglish3519]

The Turning Point is one of my favorites, too. It's so much more than just a ballet movie, but the dancing, especially by Baryshnikov, is amazing! I love rewatching it :-)

[@purpurina5663]

And he rounds his superb execution with stylistic elements that perfectly punctuate the theme. He's an artist through and through.

[@andraanzano8378]

I’ve never seen his moves (performed by others) live since he’s retired. I’ve haven’t seen athleticism or the perfection that was demonstrated by his dancing. In my opinion he was the greatest for many reasons and I truly miss seeing him perform

[@doris6526]

De acuerdo.. Completamente. Nadie lo igualó.

[@ларисаухо]

Непревзойденный, даже вровень с ним никого нет и не было. Гений!!! Хорошо, что танцевал в такое время, когда все уже можно было записать на пленку.

[@user-tj7sy8rd3k]

He just flew, it was magical...❤

[@susancrouthamel760]

I met Mikhail many years ago He was a gentleman but all work for his ballerinas. Everything had to be perfect to the group..I was in a dance group in college n several of us were invited to his class. It was an experience I'll never forget

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cards0486]

I was fortunate enough to see him on stage 3 times. I swear, that man could hang in the air! He would just take me breath away.

[@sciencewins8798]

My God, how i loved that film! Have seen it 8 times before running out of pocket money and Baryshnikov was my idol! Thank you so much for this video - it bring's back precious memories.

[@frankieaddams3937]

What a gorgeous hunk of humanity!

[@michelleo8499]

I can’t imagine any other male ballet dancer that has come along or will come along after Baryshnikov that will ever be as dynamic to watch. He made you want to watch him instead of any other dancer on the stage. Don’t think we will ever see his equal again.

[@reelincoln7747]

You’re right Never again

[@tane5802]

What magnificent form!!

[@willow625]

We all know it took him years and years of training to get as good as he was but sometimes someone is just born with such great talent. That would be MB. He makes it look so easy. So beautiful. I really like your explanations of his performances. 😀

[@MrTree-yw5yw]

That’s funny because lots of famous ballet dancer reject the idea of “being born talented” since it diminishes all the hard work and efforts they put into their dancing. Physical characteristics may be congenital, but how you use them is all about hard training.

[@lizw.4901]

Baryshnikov is the greatest dancer there ever has been. A genius. A legend.

[@kendn01]

Your video is reminding me of something I haven't thought about in years - In the early 80s I was a piano accompanist for classes with the Dayton Ballet in Dayton Ohio, and happened to play for a class taught by Christine O'Neil (sp?), principle dancer of the Dayton company. Christine had been a member of the Washington company that had danced in The Turning Point, and during a break in the class, talked a little about what filming the dance sequences in The Turning Point was like. She said the female star of the movie needed multiple takes to get her stuff right, but Baryshnikov did everything he was directed to do flawlessly in one take, punctuated each time by the director's perfunctory "Thank you, Misha"...

[@minissa2009]

Browne was a soloist with ABT when I moved to NYC a year or two after this was released. I wondered why she wasn't a principal based on the film till I saw her live a few times. Then I wondered how they ever hired her to begin with. A friend with a better eye pointed out exactly what you're saying: Misha is filmed full body and in longer sequences (in terms of film editing). When Browne danced eg the Don Q coda, they show her face, her foot, here and there her whole body, her eyes, etc... So unless you knew ballet well and looked closely, you might think she was a whole lot better than she was. She ultimately made principal, and I think justifiably so from what I've seen of her later work, but seeing her live after inferring her abilities from this move was a real education!

[@KentGBecker]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@Janny_Gurrrl]

I took a few classes at DBC with Miss Bess one summer in the late 70’s on recommendation from my teacher, Phyllis DeWeese, who was good friends with Leslie Browne’s parents. What a small world!

[@tpiety]

Wow! You must have played when I was there. I was not in the company but at the school and taking class every day. I lived next door to Miss Hermene ans Miss Jo.

[@RenaisDance]

@@minissa2009 me too

[@specialk4ever]

I'm pretty sure he's not human ... STUNNING!!!

[@yvettejones5323]

I watched this movie like 25 times when I was in high school. I could not get enough of it, especially just watching him dance ❤️ "The numbers could have been spliced together with numerous attempts"...um... you've watched him dance more than once, right? He's like...one of the best dancers of all time. I mean, yeah, there are camera angles needed but he's not a "29th time is the charm" kinda guy 😊

[@isabelledesaulniers8261]

Thank you, very interesting! Love Barishnikov! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@theintuitiveempath]

This is just art. Watching him lifts my soul.

[@eugeniobarrancoperez8718]

El mejor bailarin que ha existido.

[@Nina_6621]

This man is beautiful.

[@truecynic1270]

Speechless - perfectly executed posture, turns, height

[@stayloyalbutnotstupid]

crazy legend

[@joycampi7233]

Breathtaking and exquisite!

[@keylongo2470]

He’s the best! He gives artistic beauty to ballet.

[@jamespenn5788]

Baryshnikov, the number one male dancer of all time. He had it all.

[@reichmuth100]

Mikhail Baryshnikov is magnifico-I still don't think any other man has come close to his style or bravado.

[@isabelledetaillefer2726]

There's not been one like Misha before, or since. Simply breathtaking!

[@reelincoln7747]

Sadly True

[@biancaspinarenzicchi6734]

Favola perfetta della danza❤

[@andraanzano8378]

The low arabesque turns on my absolute favorite and have never ever seen them done by another… truly beautiful

[@lucieni]

I’m not even a ballet fan but this video is truly astounding and astonishing!

[@GrafindeKlevemark]

Many people who aren't interested in ballet, don't realize that the dancers are real athletes; their strength and stamina alone put professionals at the level of Olympians.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Now you love ballet..good!!!

[@daphnethurlow5388]

​@@GrafindeKlevemarkThat is a fact.

[@ardishorwich4601]

I was 10 when this came out. I was actively taking ballet and loved every minute of the movie. I made my mom take me to see it 5 times.

[@Impossible-t7z]

One of a kind!! Poised, creativity, excellence, unexpected surprises, charisma, sexy, perfection, passion! The one and only forever!

[@KDMDiz]

Fantastic commentary on a legendary dancer.

[@mirayadingabay5520]

I'm so happy i was able to see him in live performance twice here in Israel it was unforgettable experience and shows ballet ,HE IS THE GREATEST DANCER OF ALL TIMES.

[@ardishorwich4601]

You are so lucky. That must have been something!

[@VJones-mr2vu]

Yes, he surely is the greatest dancer of all time. Besides that, he is a great person, humble and dedicated to the humanities.

[@doris6526]

@@VJones-mr2vu Lovely man!💜

[@gonefishing167]

Wow, what an experience for you. You’ll remember that forever 🩰🩰👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@golden8972]

Magical!

[@milosen6744]

Mikhail Baryshnikov made me fall in love with ballet and I started dancing when I was only 4 years old. I got my first pointe shoes 🩰 when I was 12 and I wore them all the time (I still have them)! I loved dancing ballet, but unfortunately I had to stop at the age of 13 due to muscle and joint diseases. 😭

[@daphnethurlow5388]

That's sad..

[@NVanHiker]

Lovely story. I hope you are well. ❤

[@milosen6744]

@@NVanHiker Thank you 💖, but unfortunately I was forced to take early retirement about 25 years ago due to my illnesses.😥

[@MarilyRodriguez-ir5hr]

Misha could make a step ball change look amazing!

[@ЛюдмилаАквилянова]

Да! Этот человек восхитительный!!!!!❤

[@BH-oq7pz]

He's just AMAZING. as an audience, you can't even process what you witnessed in real time....I wish I could have had the privilege of watching him perform live.

[@Karlinberlin1]

This film has the most beautiful ballet sequences ever filmed.

[@KentGBecker]

Agree. The angles are great.

[@Janny_Gurrrl]

Yes - I’ve been saying that since I first saw it in the theater in 1977. I credit Herbert Ross for making sure the dancers’ feet were always in frame!

[@cathryncampbell8555]

@@Janny_Gurrrl Yes! I read once that Fred Astaire specified that his feet always had to be included in any of his filmed dance sequences. No witless chopping of extremities.

[@FloSham]

Yesss! I also noticed this unique Corsaire performance and just love it

[@tanon5765]

В 1972 году я видела Михаила в Дон Кихоте. Восторг до сегодняшнего дня. Это фантастика!!!

[@shellyharry8189]

he's beauty in motion

[@funniebunnie4u]

Breathtaking.... Also just wanted to mention, for no real reason, his 1980's movie "White Nights". Wonderful film. 💕🤗💕

[@KentGBecker]

Agree! Will have a video on White Nights in 2023

[@funniebunnie4u]

@@KentGBecker Oooh... that's SO cool! Highly underrated movie, Imo.... 😁 ~ Love from Texas! ✌🤠💕

[@KentGBecker]

@@funniebunnie4u agree! Will probably be out early 2023

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Oh yes...forgot that..Helen Mirren was in it!

[@funniebunnie4u]

@@daphnethurlow5388 Holy wow! Totally forgot she was in that! Need to watch again.... 💕💜💕

[@ritabond2045]

Боже,как он прекрасен!

[@debraveenstra4221]

I worked for the Jackson Ballet in the in the early 80s and had Baryshnikov and Peter Martins on the gulf coast. I had the pleasure of working closely with him for 3 days.

[@KentGBecker]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@ug1969]

I LOVE his preparations pirouettes, such a clean preparation, hips and shoulders perfectly facing the public 🖤

[@alessandrahurst9946]

Superb dancer , courageous man, he leaves me breathless.

[@elizabethwinkelman5536]

Loved him then; love him still. He is unique!!

[@LLShiningOtter]

That is the divine male force in motion

[@lindabrown7677]

His control over inch of his body is unmatched by anyone!

[@bgytube1]

Please add my thanks to many other - I saw Baryshnikov live multiple times shortly after his defection and was a serious student myself of a Russian emigre teacher. His clean flawless techniques ( point, position, arms, etc.) created such beauty and his clean powerful turns and jumps... it is a please to watch slo-mo to really SEE and your commentary is quite helpful.

[@ffeff8353]

"The Turning Point" is one of my all-time favourites as well, but I found your video very interesting, with the point-by-point breakdown. Good job! And of course Baryshnikov was and is an amazing wonder.

[@JoseRivera-vn5ku]

Now I said that to emphasize how Misha’s prodigious performance gave inspiration for a whole generation of dancers who came after him starting with Carlos Acosta, Julio Bocca, Tetsuya Kumakaya, Patrick Armand, Ethan Stiefel, Gen Horiuchi, and several other superb dancers in the following generations (the late 80s through the early 2,000s)…All of those male dancers possessed equal if not comparable levels of strength driven athleticism, pinpoint musicality, superb coordination, and masculine, sublime grace and unique individual style! Misha is the Jordan of ballet 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯

[@KentGBecker]

Agree!

[@veramaciel4982]

Simplesmente deslumbrante!!

[@sidilicious11]

So fun. What a wonderful video. I highly enjoyed every moment.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks!

[@veramaciel4982]

Fantástico, deslumbrante.

[@shermoore1693]

Wow! Absolutely fabulous!

[@mrlopez-pz7pu]

Sports, instant replay. So much for ballet being an artform.

[@catmom1322]

I loved this film when I saw it years ago & I would love to see it again! Baryshnikov is a marvelous dancer & an exquisite athlete, to say the least.

[@shamanaah]

Awesome channel. Thanks! I was very fortunate I got to see Barishnakov when I was younger. It is one of my truly favorite memories.

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for tuning in! I have updated this video with improvements you may want to check out.

[@janetkeen8280]

He was such a masculine and graceful athlete.

[@daphnesplinter2842]

The best of all times.

[@jerrybaba2]

I always cherished the perfection of these moves caught on camera by Baryshnikov, but your commentary is so well appointed as to lend an extra boost to it all. Your economy of words and descriptive choices are quite the marriage with the performances, like a poetic accompaniment, it was thrilling to me. Thank you!

[@julesjaay822]

No words. Astonishing. Okay, that was a word, but still…

[@eveningstar1]

Thank you! What joy to watch.

[@super60sand70s]

He made it look so easy.

[@worldgurl6957]

This man is truly from the Gods......Brilliant dancer. I would love to see this movie. Love him in White Nights.......thank you for posting this.....brought joy to a hectic day...