Baryshnikov: In Black and White

by Mikhail Baryshnikov

The only collection of photographs documenting the last three decades of Mikhail Baryshnikov's brilliant career.

Universally acknowledged as the most celebrated artist in the dance world ( Time magazine proclaimed him 'the greatest living dancer') Mikhail Baryshnikov's defection from the Soviet Union in 1974, at the age of twenty-six, breathed new artistic freedom into an already astonishing career. Working with American Ballet Theatre (where he was Artistic Director for ten years), the New York City Ballet (with George Ballanchine), and finally forming his own company in 1990 with Mark Morris, White Oak Dance Project, Baryshnikov has, over these past decades, changed the face of dance.

Baryshnikov in Black and White presents, in over 175 photographs, the remarkable breadth of his achievement between the years 1974 and 2000. From his legendary roles in the classic ballets Giselle and Don Quixote , to his work with some of the world's greatest contemporary choreographers, Baryshnikov is shown here in both rehearsal and performance. Captured by the leading dance photographers, his vitality and genius are evident on every page. With an inspired and richly detailed essay by the New Yorker dance critic (and Baryshnikov biographer) Joan Acocella, a complete chronology of his roles, and extensive annotated captions, Baryshnikov in Black and White is the definitive book on his remarkable career in the West.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Photography, Art, Picture Books

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1980

About the author

Soviet-born choreographer Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov performed with the Kirov in Leningrad, afterward defected to the United States in 1974, later directed the American ballet theater, and helped to found the white oak dance project, a modern company, in 1990.

People often cite Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov, a Russian actor, alongside Vaslav Nijinsky and Rudolf Nureyev, the greatest of the 20th century. From a promising start, he went to Canada in 1974 for more opportunities in west. Freelancing, he joined the city of New York as a principal to learn style of movement of George Balanchine. He then moved to art also in New York.

Baryshnikov spearheaded his many own arts, associated, and in particular promoted and premiered his own many dozens of new works. He, probably the most widely recognized contemporary, succeeded as a dramatic actor on stage, cinema, and television.

From 1990 to 2002, Baryshnikov with Mark Morris desired “a driving force in the production of art” and indeed expanded the repertoire and visibility.

In 2005, he opened the Baryshnikov arts center, a creative local and international home to develop and present work.

Reviews

[Kerri Davidson]

Fav quote:

"And all my former life is seen--a crazy drowsy beautiful and utterly appalling dream." Alexander Blok

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be considered a 'poster book' -- one large photo per page in this over-sized trade. Each picture captures a unique moment of Misha in the middle of a dance (with one or two pictures of him in more private moments -- at the beach or with his dog).

The pictures aren't all in sharpest focus, but they do manage to capture the strength and grace of Baryshnikov. If you're a fan of the man, this is a book for you. If you are looking to study ballet, this won't help you much.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a complete genius and the book just says that with stunningly beautiful pictures!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos and a nice brief biography.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visual book of photographs that is delicious for those with an appetite for dance.