Renowned ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov made headlines on June 29, 1974, when he defected from the Soviet Union after a performance in Toronto. Baryshnikov, then 26, quickly became a cultural celebrity in the West. Despite being labeled a “defector,” he prefers to see himself as a “selector” who chose to pursue creative freedom.
Born in Soviet-ruled Riga, Latvia, Baryshnikov moved to Leningrad as a teenager to study dance. After joining the Kirov Ballet at 19, he rose to stardom in Russia before his dramatic escape to New York to join American Ballet Theater. He later founded the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Manhattan, becoming a prominent figure in the arts world.
Baryshnikov, who now holds American and Latvian citizenship, has become more vocal about politics in recent years. He has criticized President Donald Trump, supported Ukrainian refugees, and denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When reflecting on his defection, he recounted fears for his father and expressed gratitude for his new life.
Despite once considering dance to be his only purpose, Baryshnikov has embraced new roles in the arts, including acting, directing, and speaking out on political issues. While he remains active in the arts world, he no longer performs as a dancer. Looking back on his journey, Baryshnikov expressed a sense of freedom upon leaving the Soviet Union, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the dance world and beyond.
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