Mikhail Baryshnikov : Dance Genius

Children's Literature

This biography of one of the finest and most renowned male ballet dancers of the twentieth century is lively reading. Born in Riga, Latvia, then part of the Soviet Union, Misha, as he is nicknamed, began dancing at the age of twelve. His unique athleticism and artistic interpretation were recognized early on in his career and soon, he was dancing with the world famous Kirov Ballet in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, Russia. The Kirov's staunchly classical interpretation of ballet stifled the creative genius of Misha, and he longed to use his talents in a more creative manner. In 1974, he followed other famous Russian ballet stars by defecting while on tour in Canada. He joined Natalia Makarova, a Russian ballerina, at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. Baryshnikov then began an illustrious American career that included ballet, theatre, movies and choreography. His ability to seemingly float in the air has earned him many accolades and fans. He is credited with renewing America's interest in classical dance. The book, well written and researched, is sprinkled with black-and-white photos of marginal quality, however, Misha's life, both public and private, provides colorful reading. While he is no long dancing publicly, Baryshnikov continues his involvement in dance to this day. The book is part of the "Giants of Art and Culture" series. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $21.95. Ages 10 to 15. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-One of the greatest dancers of the 20th century, Baryshnikov is revealed as a complex, somewhat solitary, and restless spirit whose personal life has been as complicated and volatile as his professional life. Glassman covers his subject's childhood, his emergence as a star in Leningrad's Kirov Ballet Company, his defection to the West, and his dazzling career with the American Ballet Theatre as well as other creative endeavors. Some of the behind-the-scenes jealousies, rivalries, and politics that occur in famous companies are exposed. The author also touches on Baryshnikov's often-tumultuous personal relationships. For those readers with some knowledge about well-known ballets, the information on how critics reviewed them or how Baryshnikov chose to interpret them provides unique insights into the world of dance. However, those unfamiliar with Swan Lake, Giselle, or other more contemporary works may not be able to appreciate the full importance of these interpretations within the dance world. This is a readable and balanced portrait of Baryshnikov. Many of the black-and-white photos are disappointingly dark, but a few of them do capture this dancer's extraordinary artistry.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.