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Born in Riga, Latvia
Shorter than most dancers; therefore, relegated to secondary parts
Classically trained in Russia
The most widely recognized contemporary Ballet dancer
Created his own dance moves, and promotes modern dance -
Mikhail's Mother commited suicide when he was a teenager.
In 1963 at the age of 16 he began training with Alexander Pushkin -
won Gold medal at Varna, Bulgaria dance competition
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With Kirov Ballet in Giselle
Although he was at odds with his Colonel father and his military coldness, Mikhail eventually used his father's military habits in his dance style. -
1968 in Gorianke
1969 in signature piece, Vestris, tailored to suit Mikhail -
After a Ballet in Toronto Mikhail defected saying, " I am individualist and there it is a crime".
Defected because he wanted to work with inovative choreographers, mixing classical and modern technique
Worked with the American Ballet Theatre until 1978.
Held Citizenship in 3 countries: Soviet Union, Canada, and the United States -
For acting in the film Turning Point, a drama centered on the world of NYC Ballet
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NYC Ballet was run by George Balanchine
He never created a new work for Mikhail, but did coach him in his new style.
Mikhail had signature roles in Apollo, The Prodigal Son, Rubies Robbins created Opus 19 and The Dreamer for Mikhail -
For TV Dance specials
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Became Art Director with 10 year tenure
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Opposite Gregory Hines in White Nights
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in Frank Kafka's The Metamorphesis
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using his nickname, Misha, Mikhail launches a line of perfume for women
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Director, dancer and co-founded with Mark Morris
Formed to create original work for older dancers -
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Other awards include: Kennedy Center Honors and National Medal of Honor
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Dancing with street dancer Lil Buck in Rag and Bone clothing advertisement at age 67.
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Currently owns a home in Punta Cana Resort, DR
Paramor: dancer Lisa Rinehart- 3 children (Peter, Anna, Sophia) Has a daughter to previous relationship with actress Jessica Lange (they communicated in French beacuse it was the only common language they shared at first).
