Mikhail Baryshnikov Biography

Fast Facts

• Named the artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre in 1980 and later founded the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York
• Began studying ballet at the age of 12 and eventually won the junior division of Varna International Ballet Competition
• After establishing himself in New York, he would go on to pursue an acting career, appearing in numerous dance specials and later sitcoms throughout the '80s, '90s and 2000s
• Often lauded as one of Russia's most prolific ballet dancers, he defected to Canada in 1974 to pursue more dance opportunities in North America where he would later join the New York City Ballet
• Had a long-term relationship with actress Jessica Lange in the early 1980s, however, because he spoke very little English at the time, the two communicated solely in French
• Frequented Studio 54 while living in New York City