Mikhail Baryshnikov on Opening the Baryshnikov Arts Center

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/series/masters_modern_dance

Renowned choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov discusses his motivation for opening the Baryshnikov Arts Center. He insists that practicing art is becoming more problematic due to the pressures of the economy. "I try to help young artists to succeed in the art business," says Baryshnikov.

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Decades after he first took the world by storm, Mikhail Baryshnikov is still dancing, and now in his 60's, he is still recognized as the quintessence of his art form. In 2005, he opened the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City, which provides space and support for creating art. He talked about his illustrious ballet career and nurturing young dancers and choreographers with PBS NewsHour correspondent Jeff Brown. - Macniel / Lehrer Productions

Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov (born January 27, 1948) is a Soviet-born Russian American dancer, choreographer, and actor, often cited alongside Vaslav Nijinsky and Rudolf Nureyev as one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century. After a promising start in the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad, he defected to Canada in 1974 for more opportunities in western dance. After freelancing with many companies, he joined the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer to learn George Balanchine's style of movement. He then moved to New York to dance with the American Ballet Theatre, where he later became artistic director.

Видео Mikhail Baryshnikov on Opening the Baryshnikov Arts Center канала FORA.tv