Mikhail Baryshnikov Reflects on His Defection and the Challenges Facing Russian Artists Today
Mikhail Baryshnikov, the legendary ballet dancer, is perhaps best known for his dramatic escape from the Soviet Union in 1974. His bold decision to defect, seeking artistic freedom and the chance to collaborate with Western choreographers, cemented his image as a cultural icon. However, Baryshnikov feels the term "defector" is too strong, preferring "selector," as this was ultimately his personal choice to forge a new path.
Key Takeaways:
- Fifty years after his defection, Baryshnikov reflects on the moment he chose freedom and the life he built in the West.
- He speaks about his complex relationship with his father, who remained in the Soviet Union, and the difficult choice he faced in leaving his family behind.
- Baryshnikov has become increasingly vocal about politics in recent years, criticizing the war in Ukraine and the repression of Russian artists.
- He expresses concern for those who face the difficult decision of leaving Russia due to the current political climate.
- The article explores the long-lasting impact of his defection and how it continues to shape his views on freedom, creativity, and the challenges facing artists in the current political landscape.
A New Life in Freedom
In a recent interview, Baryshnikov reminisce about the night of his defection, describing the fear and excitement that coursed through him as he ran from K.G.B. agents and eager fans. He highlights the pivotal moment when he was driven to safety by friends in a car, marking his entry into the free world. "That car took me to the free world," Baryshnikov says. "It was the start of a new life."
Baryshnikov’s defection had a profound impact on his career, catapulting him to international stardom. He joined American Ballet Theater, later becoming its artistic director, and subsequently danced with the New York City Ballet. This period marked the peak of his career, ushering in a golden age for male ballet dancers and raising the profile of ballet in popular culture.
Beyond dancing, Baryshnikov has pursued a successful acting career, appearing in films like "The Turning Point" and the television series "Sex and the City." He has also dedicated himself to fostering the arts through the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Manhattan, established in 2005.
The Impact of Politics
In recent years, Baryshnikov’s voice has grown bolder, and he has not shied away from expressing his political opinions. He has been a vocal critic of former President Donald J. Trump, drawing comparisons between him and the totalitarian regimes of his youth.
However, it is the war in Ukraine that has ignited Baryshnikov’s most passionate pronouncements. He accuses Vladimir V. Putin of creating a "world of fear," and he has contributed to True Russia, a foundation providing support to Ukrainian refugees.
A Complicated Past:
Baryshnikov’s experience in Soviet Latvia, where he witnessed first-hand the impact of Russian occupation, informs his passionate stance on the current conflict. His father, a military officer sent to Latvia during the Soviet occupation, refused to help Baryshnikov return to Russia after his defection, a silent act of support that Baryshnikov remembers with gratitude.
While he has forged a successful career in the West, the memory of his family left behind in the Soviet Union remains a bittersweet element in his past. He describes the pain of his father’s death in 1980, noting their limited communication after his departure.
Artists at a Crossroads:
Baryshnikov addresses the challenges faced by Russian artists today, particularly those who have chosen to leave their homeland due to the war and the political climate. He expresses admiration for Olga Smirnova, the Bolshoi Ballet star who defected to the Dutch National Ballet, acknowledging the courage it takes for artists to abandon their established careers and seek refuge elsewhere.
Baryshnikov reflects on the journey of refugees and artists fleeing oppression, emphasizing that every person, in some way, is running from something. His words offer solace to those who face similar choices, underscoring the common thread that unites them all.
Looking Ahead:
Though often seen as apolitical throughout his career, Baryshnikov’s recent willingness to speak out about political injustices reflects a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art and politics. His personal experiences, both within the Soviet Union and in the West, have shaped his perspective on freedom, oppression, and the importance of artistic expression.
In this interview, Baryshnikov paints a poignant picture of an artist wrestling with the complexities of his past, present, and the future he hopes to shape. He reminds us that even in the face of personal triumphs and cultural success, the weight of the world can still linger, and the search for a better future continues.
