Word: misha
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...Misha Baryshnikov left the American Ballet Theater last May in order to dance the works of Balanchine and his partner, Jerome Robbins. Rumors flew that Baryshnikov would dance in with his new company in New York during June. It was probably a good idea to begin in the summer season at Saratoga Springs, for if there is any respite from the demands of superstardom, it can be found in this quiet, informal arts center. The performing area is a pavilion that seats 5,100 (many more people can see the action from some distance on the lawn). Saratogans take pride...
Kirkland and Baryshnikov's Giselle, in this area, was another such performance, with Gelsey's fragile grace and beauty and Misha's exciting strength and virtuosity...
...made his ambition known to people close to Mr. B and finally got the call. He went to Balanchine's apartment expecting exploratory talks, and instead was offered a deal to start in July. "He was simple and welcoming," says Misha. Balanchine was also reassuring about his vaunted control over City Ballet. "I don't keep my dancers like horses," he told Baryshnikov. "They are free. We are free." (In fact, Baryshnikov will continue to make lucrative guest appearances during City Ballet's offseason...
...Agon: "Clock time has no reference to visual duration; there is more concentrated movement in Agon than in most 19th century full-length ballets." A similar claim could be made for many Balanchine works, and some created by his less active co-choreographer, Jerome Robbins. So, if nothing else, Misha will need stamina, and having performed Balanchine's Theme and Variations, he knows it: "The first time I danced it I thought my legs would drop...
...work out, temperamentally or aesthetically, but there is no thought of that now. "It's like a marriage," says Misha. "I feel as if I am in a church, and in church you do not think of divorce. Some people here are skeptical, but my Russian friends will understand at once and rejoice. There Balanchine is an incredible symbol of uncompromised creative genius." It just could be the dance marriage of the century...