Ballet for Cross-Training: Finding Inspiration in Baryshnikov

By Kate Feinberg Robins
 
Mikhail Baryshnikov is widely considered to be the greatest male ballet dancer of all time. The strength and power of his dancing embody all of the reasons that ballet training can be such a powerful tool for athletes, artists, and all kinds of others.
 
If ever you thought that ballet was only for little girls, Baryshnikov’s performance in the 1985 movie White Nights will change your mind. If you want to see the whole movie, you can rent or buy it on YouTube. If you just want to see the most amazing dance scenes, you can watch them for free. Remember that it’s rated PG-13 and be prepared for some mature content. Here are my recommendations:
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• For an awesome performance of stunning choreography (by Roland Petit), watch the opening scene where Baryshnikov dances “Le Jeune Homme et la Mort,” or “The Young Man and Death.” Full 9 minutes on Vimeo or a 4 ½ minute excerpt on Youtube.

• For some impressive athleticism and impeccable artistry, check out Baryshnikov and tap dancer Gregory Hines dueling it out in an impromptu warm-up and dance. A little background on this second scene—there’s a man watching them on the security camera while they dance. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out why.

• ​Finally, in this 2-minute scene, Baryshnikov shows off his virtuoso skills, pulling off 11 pirouettes as if he were walking down the street.  

​If you know a little girl who finds inspiration in pink tutus, good ballet training will teach her to channel that excitement into power and strength. If pink tutus aren’t your thing, check out Baryshnikov. You won’t be disappointed.

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