The Icons: Mikhail Baryshnikov & Rudolf Nureyev

Mikhail Baryshnikov

The Nutcracker Prince

Born in Latvia, (then called the Soviet Union) famed dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to Canada in 1974.  He was soon dancing with companies in both Canada, (The National Ballet of Canada) and in The United States. 

Baryshnikov joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 1974 and danced with that company for four years> During which time with the company, he both rechoreographed the Russian classic The Nutcracker in 1976. In 1977, Baryshnikov again took on the role, this time, for a CBS television production. 

Mikhail Baryshnikov on Instagram

Nureyev & Baryshnikov

💂💂💂💂💂

Rudolf Nureyev

The Nutcracker Prince

Born in the Soviet Union, dancer Rudolf Nureyev defected to Paris in the late 1950's.  After a series of dramatic events, and despite pressure from the Soviet government, Nureyev was sure he'd be imprisoned if he ever returned home. He staged The Nutcracker for the first time in November 1967 for the Royal Swedish Ballet following the request of Erick Bruhn. This version was to be revived several  times in London, Milan, Buenos Aires and Berlin.

Nureyev by Richard Avedon (1961)

Nureyev and dancers of The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden Opera Chorus performed The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House in October 1968.  This production was filmed, and directed by John Vernon.  It became a best selling version of the classic ballet, and was re-released on DVD as late as the early 2020's. Nureyev also choreographed and directed another filmed version in 1988.

Valentino (1977)

In 1926 the tragic and untimely death of a silent screen actor caused female moviegoers to riot in the streets and in some cases to commit suicide.