Kings of ballet dance: Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov is always sited as the best ballet dancer of the 20 century. His talent sprung at a very young age. But the opportunity windows were very limited in the Soviet system where he grew up. Being shorter than most of the dancers he could not tower over a ballerina and was offered only secondary parts. Even more frustrating truth Baryshnikov noted was the classical styles that the Soviet system wedged to and new creative talents of the west were purposely ignored.

"It doesn't matter if every ballet is a success or not," - Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov "The new experience gives me a lot." His passion to learn new modern techniques and mix contemporary art to Ballet Baryshnikov moved to Canada. Baryshnikov’s decision to devote his full attentions to the New York Company stunned the dance world. George Balanchine never welcomed guest artists but he trained Baryshnikov in his distinctive style and Baryshnikov accomplished in such signature roles as Apollo, Prodigal Son, and Rubies. "It doesn't matter how high you lift your leg. The technique is about transparency, simplicity and making an earnest attempt.” After performing several successful roles he became the director of American Ballet Theatre in 1980. "Dancing is living" for Mikhail Baryshnikov.