Mikhail Baryshnikov Spectacular Turning Point Solos
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- Опубликовано: 25 апр 2021
- CHECK OUT AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS VIDEO THAT HAS SIMILAR CONTENT WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN AUDIO AND BALLET TERMINOLOGY
The Turning Point from 1977 is one of my favorite movies. Directed by Herbert Ross, it centers on the friendship of two dancers, one of whom opts for fame and glory as a ballet star, while the other chooses love, marriage, and children. The Turning Point featured dance segments from big name ballet stars of the 1970s including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Suzanne Farrell, Peter Martins, Fernando Bujones. The dance sequences are superb and should be mandatory study for any filmmaker interested in dance. This video provides commentary on two Baryshnikov solos: his Ali solo from Le Corsaire and the Basilio Act III solo from Don Quixote. Baryshnikov’s solos are stunning with numerous innovations, a real treat to watch. Thanks to dancer Jeremy Naismith for helpful commentary on another video that shapes my comments on the Ali variation solo.
For the full Baryshnikov Turning Pointe solos without commentary, check out Stephen Nelson's video: • Mikhail Baryshnikov - ... 
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Mikhail Baryshnikov did for ballet what Luciano Pavarotti did for opera. They both compelled people who had no prior interest in ballet or opera to want to see them perform, and I believe many people became fans because of their otherworldly talent.
Interesting comparison. Thanks!
@K G Becker. You're welcome! 😊
Absolutely agree. Although I was always a fan of opera and especially ballet, I know so many that they pulled into their orbits. White Nights is one of my favorite movies. Made when he was older, but he was still so incredible.
@Laura Corriss. I know ballet takes a toll on the body, but he was only 37 when White Nights was made. Only in sports and dance would that be considered older. Funny to think that 37 would still be considered "youngish" in most professions! 😊
Actually Rudolph Nureyev was before Mikhail in spectacular ability. He died in his 40’s from AIDS (when we didn’t have treatment yet). Watch the clip of him dancing with Margot Fonteyn. You will cry at the beauty.
The fact that we are still breathlessly watching and analyzing his performances now solidifies and reaffirms his legendary status as the best male ballet dancer in recorded history.
Exactly 💯
You know it’s rarely said… it’s always that Nuriyev was the greatest male dancer but I happen to agree with you 100%, I was very blessed to see Baryshnikov when he first defected and many years afterwards and in my opinion there was no one who was more innovative, athletic and when in a romantic role was breathlessly beautiful. So I also believe he was the greatest male ballet dancer
Misha is mesmerizing in his dance. Thank heaven for recordings. Every generation that loves ballet will watch his mastery and experience a unique awe for his fabulous drive and ability.
And with tears! Simply stunning
The fact that he could complete all those turns and jumps, finishing them so precisely and always on time with the music!!! It looked amazingly clean and controlled, and also so expressive! The best male dancer of all time.
That’s what impresses me too. The tempo is so fast and he’s always on the beat and on top of that, still cleanly done
He's one with the music, always! I love The Turning Pointe, White Nights, and Dancers too.
@@valmacclinchy White Nights and Dancers are amazing! Never got to watch Turning Point, unfortunately.
@@annamattos8627 I saw White Nights in the movie theater 4 times when it came out.
Baryshnikov and Hines were amazing together.
I think you can get The Turning Point on DVD (can't find it streaming anywhere)
@@valmacclinchy I'll try to find it!!!
He is the best male dancer of all times. He is talented, hard working, the highest jumps ever seen, has everything. EVERYTHING!!!!!! He takes the 100% perfect to a higher level. Out of this world! Mikhail Baryshnikov is THE LEGEND!!!!!
Even now, 45 years later, it looks outstanding!!!
As a little girl learning ballet, dreaming ballerinas and fantasizing all the parts for ballerinas I can only say Baryshnikov was the first male dancer who knocked my eyes out, took my breath away - still does. What a technical master of surpassing energy and grace!
Mischa owns that Don Quixote solo. Absolutely owns it. He always looked like it was just effortlessly flowing out of him, like it was no work at all. Just stupendous.
Many years ago, I watched his version of the Nutcracker. With his leaps, as if he was suspended in air, he absolutely defied gravity. What a dancer!
I am not knowledgable about ballet steps but I know what I like to see. This man is simply stunning.
Thanks for tuning in!
I’m the same way. I know what I like, and I really admire his skill.
Mr. Mikhail Baryshnikov is the greatest male dancer's ever.
He is absolutely amazing and magnificent
I saw the movie as a teenager with my mom and sister. When it finished, we all looked at each other and agreed to stay and watch the next showing. Couldn't get enough of Baryshnikov. We both took ballet and my mom had been a profesional dancer. I love your videos and analysis. Thank you!
Thanks for tuning in!
I saw Baryshnikov 2 or 3 times in the 1980’s when he was with the ABT. His jumps were amazing. Watching him, you got the feeling he might just fly up into the lights. When he jumped, it felt as if he paused for seconds at the top of the jump. Felt as if he was just suspended in mid-air. I doubt there’ll ever be another dancer like him.
@donnatritz, it is true! His body helps him a lot, as he is short; and his training helps him even better
Yes technically brilliant no one has matched him yet, it’s 2022!🎉
The elevation is extraordinary
It is impossible to pay attention to the other dancers when Baryshnikov is on stage. His performances are so overwhelmingly fantastic! His precision is so noticeable, he is perfection.
I was lucky to meet him and have him sign my pointe shoes - he was amazing in every performance!
Wow! What a great experience. Thanks for sharing.
That's wonderful! He is still performing in stage plays now, even in 2022.
Hermoso video!! Gracias 🙂
If I ever Mer him I would break down weeping
@@reelincoln7747 He is much shorter in stature than I expected. On stage, he is a giant!!!
A true icon of the stage. He will always be my favorite dancer of all time.
Yes!! He's still performing in stage plays even now in 2022.
Mine toooooo
Наша русская балетная школа всех сильнее! Так что не гордитесь особо нашими артистами балета ,они все равно Наши !
Absolutely true ❤
Ong!! This man is unbelievable! He’s the best of the best nobody comes even close ! What a Dancer!!
@@ashtonkennedy3652 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ el es perfecto!!!
Es perfecto!!!! Nadie lo igualó, jamás!!
This ballet virtuoso is by far in the best athletic shape one can ascribe to of any sport.
He is in total control of every inch of his body, amazing and brilliant.
Some male pro athletes, especially football, take ballet classes to improve agility, for muscle strength, to avoid injury.
No one else could stun, thrill and excite like Baryshnikov!
He was followed like a pop star..extraordinary man and dancer
Outstanding. Mesmerising. Breathtaking. Masterful. Beautiful.
I totally agree. He is phenomenal!
❤❤❤❤
He put his heart, soul and personal style into every move. It’s like great singers really feel every word they sing. Great dancers really feel every move they make!
And he rounds his superb execution with stylistic elements that perfectly punctuate the theme. He's an artist through and through.
We all know it took him years and years of training to get as good as he was but sometimes someone is just born with such great talent. That would be MB. He makes it look so easy. So beautiful. I really like your explanations of his performances. 😀
That’s funny because lots of famous ballet dancer reject the idea of “being born talented” since it diminishes all the hard work and efforts they put into their dancing.
Physical characteristics may be congenital, but how you use them is all about hard training.
Your video is reminding me of something I haven't thought about in years - In the early 80s I was a piano accompanist for classes with the Dayton Ballet in Dayton Ohio, and happened to play for a class taught by Christine O'Neil (sp?), principle dancer of the Dayton company. Christine had been a member of the Washington company that had danced in The Turning Point, and during a break in the class, talked a little about what filming the dance sequences in The Turning Point was like. She said the female star of the movie needed multiple takes to get her stuff right, but Baryshnikov did everything he was directed to do flawlessly in one take, punctuated each time by the director's perfunctory "Thank you, Misha"...
Browne was a soloist with ABT when I moved to NYC a year or two after this was released. I wondered why she wasn't a principal based on the film till I saw her live a few times. Then I wondered how they ever hired her to begin with. A friend with a better eye pointed out exactly what you're saying: Misha is filmed full body and in longer sequences (in terms of film editing). When Browne danced eg the Don Q coda, they show her face, her foot, here and there her whole body, her eyes, etc... So unless you knew ballet well and looked closely, you might think she was a whole lot better than she was. She ultimately made principal, and I think justifiably so from what I've seen of her later work, but seeing her live after inferring her abilities from this move was a real education!
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
I took a few classes at DBC with Miss Bess one summer in the late 70’s on recommendation from my teacher, Phyllis DeWeese, who was good friends with Leslie Browne’s parents. What a small world!
Wow! You must have played when I was there. I was not in the company but at the school and taking class every day. I lived next door to Miss Hermene ans Miss Jo.
@@minissa2009 me too
His precision and strength is incredible. He makes extremely difficult turns look easy🤯
I always was fascinated by ballet, but I absolutely fell in love with Misha & ballet when the Turning Point came out. LOVE!! 💗🏆
One of a kind!! Poised, creativity, excellence, unexpected surprises, charisma, sexy, perfection, passion! The one and only forever!
No one quite like Baryshnikov in my opinion. The best.
I’ve never seen his moves (performed by others) live since he’s retired. I’ve haven’t seen athleticism or the perfection that was demonstrated by his dancing. In my opinion he was the greatest for many reasons and I truly miss seeing him perform
De acuerdo..
Completamente. Nadie lo igualó.
This is just art.
Watching him lifts my soul.
I'm so happy i was able to see him in live performance twice here in Israel it was unforgettable experience and shows ballet ,HE IS THE GREATEST DANCER OF ALL TIMES.
You are so lucky. That must have been something!
Yes, he surely is the greatest dancer of all time. Besides that, he is a great person, humble and dedicated to the humanities.
@@VJones-mr2vu Lovely man!💜
Wow, what an experience for you. You’ll remember that forever 🩰🩰👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Mikhail Baryshnikov is magnifico-I still don't think any other man has come close to his style or bravado.
Непревзойденный, даже вровень с ним никого нет и не было. Гений!!! Хорошо, что танцевал в такое время, когда все уже можно было записать на пленку.
I remember the movie barely , but I remember his amazing jumps and spins and charisma
Thanks for tuning in! I have another video on the Turning Point that may be of interest.
I met Mikhail many years ago He was a gentleman but all work for his ballerinas. Everything had to be perfect to the group..I was in a dance group in college n several of us were invited to his class. It was an experience I'll never forget
Thanks for sharing!
I watch these videos over and over. Never get tired of them or his magnificent dancing.
I watched this movie like 25 times when I was in high school. I could not get enough of it, especially just watching him dance ❤️
"The numbers could have been spliced together with numerous attempts"...um... you've watched him dance more than once, right? He's like...one of the best dancers of all time. I mean, yeah, there are camera angles needed but he's not a "29th time is the charm" kinda guy 😊
Unbelievable talent and athleticism! Just mind-blowing!
It is amazing to watch. If you stop the video at any point, you STILL see no flaw in his positions! Breathtaking and beautiful!
I can’t imagine any other male ballet dancer that has come along or will come along after Baryshnikov that will ever be as dynamic to watch. He made you want to watch him instead of any other dancer on the stage. Don’t think we will ever see his equal again.
You’re right
Never again
I was fortunate enough to see him on stage 3 times. I swear, that man could hang in the air!
He would just take me breath away.
There are many dancers who are technically good but boring to watch. Then there are dancers who mesmerise you, not letting you take your eyes off them for a second. They have the IT factor. Baryshnikov has IT.
I think the last comment I saw says it all. Whatever he did or the training he had gave us perfection to enjoy. In the Soviet
@@marvahuff635 must have been something in the water over there... 😂
But seriously, the IT factor is impossible to achieve through training. You are born with it.
I agree with this comment. Whenever I saw him dance or even the movies like White Nights. He was watched by me as every move seemed perfect. A rare thing. When he leaped in the air he looked like he was flying suspended in space, like an Angle. After my lifetime of dance I still watch him to learn, even with my 50 years of dance background he is the one I study. Always, …best. Marva.
@@marvahuff635 you were able to see him dance live?
@@maggan2808 I had the rare opportunity to see a live performance in a smaller sized space at Dartmouth College. I don't remember all the details of why he was there, but my daughter worked there and arranged it. I was mesmerized. She may have actually met him in person as part of her duties. I got to see and hear Yo Yo Ma about the same time, also at Dartmouth. My daughter said he was very appreciative of her help!
He is an angel. He flies like no other.
He’s the best! He gives artistic beauty to ballet.
I’m not even a ballet fan but this video is truly astounding and astonishing!
Many people who aren't interested in ballet, don't realize that the dancers are real athletes; their strength and stamina alone put professionals at the level of Olympians.
Now you love ballet..good!!!
@@GrafindeKlevemarkThat is a fact.
I'm pretty sure he's not human ... STUNNING!!!
He's just AMAZING. as an audience, you can't even process what you witnessed in real time....I wish I could have had the privilege of watching him perform live.
Absolutely extraordinary. The human body cannot do anything more.
he's beauty in motion
В 1972 году я видела Михаила в Дон Кихоте. Восторг до сегодняшнего дня. Это фантастика!!!
This film has the most beautiful ballet sequences ever filmed.
Agree. The angles are great.
Yes - I’ve been saying that since I first saw it in the theater in 1977. I credit Herbert Ross for making sure the dancers’ feet were always in frame!
@@Janny_Gurrrl Yes! I read once that Fred Astaire specified that his feet always had to be included in any of his filmed dance sequences. No witless chopping of extremities.
Superb dancer , courageous man, he leaves me breathless.
I was lucky to see him perform twice in Louisville KY then in NYC in the late 70's. There has never been another male dancer who could compare with him. He had such incredible hang time in the air it was as if he physics didn't apply to him.
Loved him then; love him still. He is unique!!
Breathtaking....
Also just wanted to mention, for no real reason, his 1980's movie "White Nights". Wonderful film. 💕🤗💕
Agree! Will have a video on White Nights in 2023
@@KentGBecker Oooh... that's SO cool! Highly underrated movie, Imo.... 😁
~ Love from Texas! ✌🤠💕
@@funniebunnie4u agree! Will probably be out early 2023
Oh yes...forgot that..Helen Mirren was in it!
@@daphnethurlow5388 Holy wow! Totally forgot she was in that! Need to watch again.... 💕💜💕
I was 10 when this came out. I was actively taking ballet and loved every minute of the movie. I made my mom take me to see it 5 times.
Please add my thanks to many other - I saw Baryshnikov live multiple times shortly after his defection and was a serious student myself of a Russian emigre teacher. His clean flawless techniques ( point, position, arms, etc.) created such beauty and his clean powerful turns and jumps... it is a please to watch slo-mo to really SEE and your commentary is quite helpful.
The Turning Point is one of my favorites, too. It's so much more than just a ballet movie, but the dancing, especially by Baryshnikov, is amazing! I love rewatching it :-)
I loved this film when I saw it years ago & I would love to see it again! Baryshnikov is a marvelous dancer & an exquisite athlete, to say the least.
His control over inch of his body is unmatched by anyone!
I LOVE his preparations pirouettes, such a clean preparation, hips and shoulders perfectly facing the public 🖤
I have loved Mikhail Baryshnikov for many years. Rip Gregory Hines.
Thanks for tuning in! I have a video on White Nights with Baryshnikov and Hines that may be of interest.
The best of all times.
El mejor bailarin que ha existido.
Now I said that to emphasize how Misha’s prodigious performance gave inspiration for a whole generation of dancers who came after him starting with Carlos Acosta, Julio Bocca, Tetsuya Kumakaya, Patrick Armand, Ethan Stiefel, Gen Horiuchi, and several other superb dancers in the following generations (the late 80s through the early 2,000s)…All of those male dancers possessed equal if not comparable levels of strength driven athleticism, pinpoint musicality, superb coordination, and masculine, sublime grace and unique individual style! Misha is the Jordan of ballet 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯
Agree!
Mikhail Baryshnikov made me fall in love with ballet and I started dancing when I was only 4 years old. I got my first pointe shoes 🩰 when I was 12 and I wore them all the time (I still have them)! I loved dancing ballet, but unfortunately I had to stop at the age of 13 due to muscle and joint diseases. 😭
That's sad..
Lovely story. I hope you are well. ❤
@@NVanHiker Thank you 💖, but unfortunately I was forced to take early retirement about 25 years ago due to my illnesses.😥
Great to have caught him at the top of his form. I worked at a cinema back in the day and got to see this at the press screening.
I worked for the Jackson Ballet in the in the early 80s and had Baryshnikov and Peter Martins on the gulf coast. I had the pleasure of working closely with him for 3 days.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your memories.
He is the greatest dancer ever in my opinion.
Love his dancin
Yes!!!
Il più grande di tutti i tempi!!!!! L eccellenza della danza sarai per sempre tu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Да! Этот человек восхитительный!!!!!❤
Speechless - perfectly executed posture, turns, height
My God, how i loved that film! Have seen it 8 times before running out of pocket money and Baryshnikov was my idol! Thank you so much for this video - it bring's back precious memories.
I saw the film in a cinema in San Fancisco..When the film came to his dance sequences the audience started cheering and clapping. It was crazy and extraordinary - so was the dancing. Personally I'd never seen anything like it ..few years later saw him dance at Covent Garden.....Legend.
Thanks for your thoughts and memories. You may want to check out an updated version of the video I released yesterday.
Baryshnikov, the number one male dancer of all time. He had it all.
Боже,как он прекрасен!
I found this to be illuminating. To watch him in slo-mo while listening to a technical breakdown was a treat. Thanks
The low arabesque turns on my absolute favorite and have never ever seen them done by another… truly beautiful
I saw the movie Turnning point and was amazed at the depth and incredible moves of Bresnichov. It inspired me to study Ballet at Alvin Aiely and Dance Theater of Harlem Ballet in NY C.💙💖🥰
Thanks! He inspired many dancers including me in the 1980s
Everytime I watch his performances I think it's a miracle this guy can still walk. Even with surgeries!
My mother & I were in the audience in Toronto, Ontario the night that Baryshnikov left the Soviet Union. His fellow dancers were 3rd tier performers -- so much so that the polite Canadian audience was disappointed & restless. Then Baryshnikov appeared and annihilated everyone else with a bravura performance. We were astounded to learn that he ran away from his Soviet minders after that appearance: after his ecstatic dancing, how did he have any energy left? We saw Baryshnikov perform again and were elated that the West got to experience his artistry.
Thanks for sharing. Must have been a great experience to see his last performance before his defection.
Wonderful story! Thanks!
"The Turning Point" is one of my all-time favourites as well, but I found your video very interesting, with the point-by-point breakdown. Good job! And of course Baryshnikov was and is an amazing wonder.
This man is truly from the Gods......Brilliant dancer. I would love to see this movie. Love him in White Nights.......thank you for posting this.....brought joy to a hectic day...
He just flew, it was magical...❤
Strength, agility, stamina. Since that is the definition of an athlete, how is it not also,the definition of a dancer? Dancers are the ultimate athlete. They can perform ten minutes at a time, no break, no timeout. They are graceful and disciplined. They will dance through pain.
They are strong. Watch the Spartacus ballet when he dances with Phrygia. He lifts her up to one arm and carries her for almost a minute, then carefully places her down.
The man had invisible wings. His precision and power are just astonishing…
He certainly is a great dancer,and perhaps the best 👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩👏👏👏
Thank goodness for your reply and appreciation for exceptional dancing ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍
What a gorgeous hunk of humanity!
Quel danseur exeptionnelle...Quand il dansait il s'envollait dans les air a une auteur incroyable, il était et superbe et quel technique ...Magnifique danseur classique et d'une grace incroyable...Vous êtes irreplaceable et on vous oublira jamais M.r.Mikhail Baryshnikov...🙏🙏🙏😮😍😔😪👍🌈🌍💕💕💕
Thank you so much for this video. I have been so sad that this movie is not available anywhere. There are some scenes that are so amazing I could watch them a thousand times and still want more.
Agree. The best we can do is DVD
Amazon did have the dvd at one time bc I got a copy..but it was a few years ago...a specialist dealer in dance books etc may know who sells it..
Since my first comment I’ve been able to purchase it on Prime. I watch it often 👍
Thank you for this great compilation and analysis. I think that Baryshnikov's deep plié and always accurate fifth position on take off and landing are especially impressive and key to the jump height he attains. While watching Baryshnikov's incomparable technical prowess I always try to remind myself that it's happening at the service of a character, a story and a ballet. Baryshnikov's portrayal of Basilio is a masterpiece. Thank you also for acknowledging the ballerina, Leslie Brown.
Well said. Thank you for posting and for your astute comments. Wonderful compilation!
Sports, instant replay. So much for ballet being an artform.
Yesss! I also noticed this unique Corsaire performance and just love it
Youve given a real insight into why these solos are so spectacular. It makes absolute sense that they may have been shot on multi-take with moves created for the film as they are almost superhuman. That manege in the Ali solo is absolutely wondrous!
Interesting that the parts of these solos I love the most are the parts you didn't comment on; probably because not especially difficult or unusual; thinking of the jump en tournant with bent knees at the very end of the first Basilio solo. I've seen this solo danced by many other dancers and never ending in that precise move - and Baryshnikov's artistry is exceptional. In the Ali solo his use of arms and positioning is particularly beautiful and entirely in character. As you say great drive, command and precision. Glad these performances were captured for posterity!
B was perfectly able to do these dances completely to performance level in one take. I saw him live in performances before the film, especially le Corsair. The multiple takes were for the director to have camera options, not for the dancer. Also, I remember seeing the film for the first time and noticing how his style had loosened (more human, less rigid, and certainly no less athletic nor capable!) from the Soviet/Russian traditional which I saw in earlier performances and that the movie reflected his branching out to more creative and expressive modern dance he had wanted in the same dance piece and choreography.
Amazing. Defies the laws of gravity. A true athlete.
He was incredible..
Fantastic commentary on a legendary dancer.
There's not been one like Misha before, or since. Simply breathtaking!
Sadly True
Amazing Misha is Best of Best 👏🏾
En menage means "to circle." He had the tightest turns I've ever seen. His aerial turns are super tight. I had a clockwise preference as a dancer. Most people are right-handed and right-sided. More strength and control.
Just Exquisite to watch!!!! Nureyev had that magic, but This man was Amazing!!!!
I always cherished the perfection of these moves caught on camera by Baryshnikov, but your commentary is so well appointed as to lend an extra boost to it all. Your economy of words and descriptive choices are quite the marriage with the performances, like a poetic accompaniment, it was thrilling to me. Thank you!