Baryshnikov, Mikhail, 1948-

Mikhail Baryshnikov (1948- ) is a Russian-American dancer, choreographer and actor. Born in Riga, he received his early training at the Vaganova Academy in Leningrad. He joined the Kirov ballet in 1967. Recognizing his talent, Soviet choreographers soon began creating works for him. In 1974 while on tour with the Bolshoi ballet, Baryshnikov moved to Canada and joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. After appearing as a guest artist with several companies, he began dancing with the New York City Ballet under Balanchine. He also danced with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and in 1980 he became the artistic director of ABT, a post he held for ten years.

Baryshnikov's acting credits include the films Turning Point (1977) and White Nights (1985), many television specials, and theatrical turns in Metamorphasis (1989), Forbidden Christmas (2004) and Paris (2007) among others.

In 1990, Baryshnikov founded the White Oak Dance Project with choreographer Mark Morris. The project was created to be the touring component of the Baryshnikov Dance Foundation. Studios were built in Jacksonville, Florida and an emphasis was placed on workshopping and premiering new works in modern dance. The company toured through 2002, when the Baryshnikov Dance Foundation turned its focus to opening the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. The Baryshnikov Arts Center opened in 2005 and provides a home for artists to create new work.

Among Baryshnikov's many awards are the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Honor, the Jerome Robbins Award, and Honorary Degrees from several major universities.