Mikhail Baryshnikov: The Turning Point Variations UPDATED

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THIS IS AN UPDATE FROM MY APRIL 26, 2021 VIDEO "MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV SPECTACULAR TURNING POINT SOLOS." THIS VIDEO IS SIMILAR AND INCUDES AUDIO AND BALLET TERMINOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS.
The Turning Point from 1977 is one of my favorite movies. The Turning Point featured dance segments from big name ballet stars of the 1970s including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Suzanne Farrell, Peter Martins, Fernando Bujones. This video provides commentary on two Baryshnikov solos: his Ali variation from Le Corsaire and the Basilio Act III variation from Don Quixote. His solos reveal unique steps done with rare athleticism and command that have stood the test of time.
Thanks to Jeremy Naismith for insightful commentary on a previous video that has shaped my comments on the Ali variation.
Sources
"The Turning Point" DVD. Anchor Bay Entertainment, 1977.
"American Ballet Theatre Le Corsaire" DVD. Image Entertainment, 2000.
"Baryshnikov Live at Wolf Trap" DVD. Kultur Video, 2004.
Thumbnail photo of Baryshnikov in The Turning Point: Allstar Picture Library Limited. / Alamy Stock Photo, All Star Picture Library, 20th Century Fox.
All other Baryshnikov photos: Vladimir Bliokh.
Glossary of Steps
Attitude: A pose in which the leg is bent at a 90 degree angle.
Barrel Turns: Turn of the back done in a circle. Also called Tour de Reins.
Double Tour en l’air: Two turns in the air off of two feet. Mostly performed by men.
Manége, en: Travel around in a circle while performing a combination of steps or turns. A popular manége consists of coupé jetés.
Pirouette a lá Seconde (also, turns in second position): Large pirouette in second position, the free leg extended at 90 degrees.
Pirouette en Dehors: Turning on one leg, outward on left leg, clockwise.
Retiré: A position in which the thigh is raised to the second position en l’air with the knee bent so that the pointed toe rests in front of, behind or to the side of the supporting knee. Also referred to as Passé.
Rivoltade: The dancer places one leg in the air and then gives the impression of jumping over it with the other leg. The landing foot is the same as the takeoff foot.
Saut de Basque: A traveling step in which the dancer turns in the air with one foot drawn up to the knee of the other leg. A jump off of the right foot would land on the left foot.

Пікірлер: 95

  • @bbaNMDesertHwy57
    @bbaNMDesertHwy576 ай бұрын

    It is just amazing to me that watching Baryshnikov and any of his dance sequences just never gets old. Not even fifty years later. I'm sure he's only human but his dancing was miraculous.

  • @Annie-wn1zx

    @Annie-wn1zx

    6 ай бұрын

    Pretty sure he’s some type of heavenly being......I was going to say angel, but he makes angels look dull.

  • @melissajohnson4751

    @melissajohnson4751

    6 ай бұрын

    I agree....he was amazing !!!

  • @judyo923
    @judyo9235 ай бұрын

    The thing about MB is that for all that perfect technique and pyrotechnics he has that extra Je ne sais quois about him, it's like I believe he gave his all - yet oddly enough with restraint. Today I watch some danseurs go almost out of control trying to nail down the steps, whereas MB made it look easy. Whether it's the attitude of his head, or relaxed hand, or even just a lifted eyebrow - he was a showman on top of everything else.

  • @michelefritze3988
    @michelefritze39886 ай бұрын

    Baryshnikov is absolutely my favourite dancer of all time. His dancing is forever watchable and I watch his performances over and over again. ❤❤

  • @icarrus4u
    @icarrus4u6 ай бұрын

    Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the best dancers of our lifetime! 💐 Absolutely amazing, still to this day! 🔥🔥

  • @sbaker3426
    @sbaker34266 ай бұрын

    Exceptional artist and athlete, he will always be my absolute favorite. He could hang in the air with his powerful jumps, and could be as delicate as well. Breathtaking❤

  • @jillgooner

    @jillgooner

    5 ай бұрын

    Same here he is the greatest male dancer ever. Still no one can touch him. What an incredible talent. His acting was always amazing.

  • @leonoranicolaysen2784
    @leonoranicolaysen27845 ай бұрын

    My son is a doctor now but still dances. His first movie was "White Nights" which he was obsessed with as a small child. Baryshnikov brought so much to the Western world.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in! I have a video on White Nights that might be of interest.

  • @Sarah.J.S75
    @Sarah.J.S756 ай бұрын

    The elevation is unbelievable ❤️

  • @chipsanders0822
    @chipsanders08226 ай бұрын

    The artistry and athleticism on Baryshnikov’s part and the filming of 11:01 is staggeringly mesmerizing. 😳

  • @irinavasylieva6265
    @irinavasylieva62655 ай бұрын

    Baryshnikov is the best dancer of all time!

  • @user-kk5yc9yt7d
    @user-kk5yc9yt7d5 ай бұрын

    Сегодня 27 января день рождения М. Барышникова. Самый лучший подарок - его смотрят, им не перестают восхищаться, его любят. Это и бесценный подарок нам!

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for reminding us of his birthday!

  • @annmartinez3174
    @annmartinez31746 ай бұрын

    My favorite Ballet dancer. Every move is perform to perfection. A beautiful performer. ❤❤🎉🎉😊

  • @pammcclung861
    @pammcclung8614 ай бұрын

    I was fortunate and blessed to have seen Baryshnikov dance in person twice and it was truly amazing. When he first came on stage the audience was so silent you could have heard a pin drop - I think we were all collectively holding our breath!

  • @KristineMaitland
    @KristineMaitland5 ай бұрын

    There is one performance I wish I could see - Baryshnikov and Jamieson in Pas de Duke. There is an article about Baryshnikov 's work with choreographer Alvin Ailey in The New York times. I highly recommend it.

  • @jennyfranke7466
    @jennyfranke74666 ай бұрын

    Still utterly unique.

  • @avesraggiana
    @avesraggiana5 ай бұрын

    Mikhail Baryshnikov may have had the most impressive and most memorable dance sequences in the movie, but my absolute favourite is that 20 second clip of “Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux”; with Suzanne Farrell diving headlong to the floor, legs in tight sous-sus, and Peter Martins catching her just before she breaks her neck.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    5 ай бұрын

    There were a number of dance segments in the movie that were memorable. Unfortunately, many segments did not make it into the movie.

  • @ChrissieSM
    @ChrissieSM5 ай бұрын

    It is amazing how high he could jump, considering he is only 5'6"! He had that rare combination of athleticism, technique and grace, the latter I don't personally think Nureyev had.

  • @jonibarger3147
    @jonibarger31476 ай бұрын

    He's magical.

  • @erikamassey3582
    @erikamassey35825 ай бұрын

    I do believe he was THE greatest male ballet dancer, seeing it in slow motion is awe inspiring!

  • @cjinpa5713
    @cjinpa57136 ай бұрын

    I remember watching this as a teenager then going to class myself during a summer intensive on the back of my boyfriend’s bike. My Vagonova trained instructor always had a little laugh at the whole situation.

  • @renzaraimondi8416
    @renzaraimondi84166 ай бұрын

    Nella difficoltà che comporta il balletto classico riusciva ad avere la leggerezza di una piuma. Inarrivabile, magico!

  • @manuela8195
    @manuela81956 ай бұрын

    Dear Kent, thank you for this fabulous update. Will always remember this movie with him and Gregory HInes. After seeing his Ali and Basilio Variations it's difficult, not comparing any seeing later with his interpretations. Thank you for all this jewels you gift us on your channel.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in!

  • @lilbatz
    @lilbatz6 ай бұрын

    Holy hell, could Misha fly. 💕

  • @lisawentworth6831
    @lisawentworth68315 ай бұрын

    Love Baryshnikov...watching this movie was part of dance camp when I was young. So many amazing dancers there that have not been surpassed even with today's tricks....

  • @kittymervine6115
    @kittymervine61156 ай бұрын

    thank you for letting us see the dance first, and then again with commentary!! It is truly truly the best way to do it!

  • @ImogenC-rt3fm
    @ImogenC-rt3fm6 ай бұрын

    Crikey could he turn!!!!!!!

  • @ImogenC-rt3fm

    @ImogenC-rt3fm

    6 ай бұрын

    Broke my ankle just watching. Mercy me, yowsa and 1000 times “Yeah, Baby!” I’m actually blushing as I write this. Sigh….

  • @gegemec
    @gegemec6 ай бұрын

    I am 70 with all the feet issues that come with age only made worse by years of punishing dance. Watching this video reminded me of the elation dance can make you feel, I regret none of what I did to myself in my youth, it made me feel alive. Thanks for your work in making the video.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Same here. I have ankle arthritis that prevents me from jumping and running. I can't dance anymore but have great enjoyment watching others.

  • @Annie-wn1zx
    @Annie-wn1zx6 ай бұрын

    I’m obsessed. Period.

  • @cheriestolze
    @cheriestolze5 ай бұрын

    Your videos!! Incredible gift you give us!

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @erlindamatias8015
    @erlindamatias80156 ай бұрын

    He’s really very amazing & true, haven’t any body who can dance as well as he does. I’m always mesmerized & love to watch him. Yeah, I love him with Gregory Hines too. They’re both great dancers. Thanks for sharing & the explanation of his performance is great to watch. ❤

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    I also have a video on White Nights with Gregory Hines that may be of interest.

  • @d14551
    @d145516 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the analysis. It adds a great deal to my appreciation of this amazing dancer.

  • @user-kb6xn6ig7k
    @user-kb6xn6ig7k6 ай бұрын

    Kent, thanks for these ballet videos. Baryshnikov is my all-time favorite dancer. I love "The Turning Point" and wish the full movie were available on KZread. And yes, I've seen Corella do the pirouettes with some in plie. That performance of Le Corsaire was fabulous. Happy New Year !

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Happy New Year!

  • @spiritcreek9813

    @spiritcreek9813

    5 ай бұрын

    Corella was a beautiful dancer, a Prince.

  • @lindalambert8712
    @lindalambert87125 ай бұрын

    He was truly Amazing!!!❤

  • @Sarah.J.S75
    @Sarah.J.S756 ай бұрын

    Such wonderful understanding and dissection of these astonishing moves. Just discovered your channel. Thank you very much for this wonderful information and happy and hopeful New Year ❤️🌹

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in! Look for more in 24

  • @MaHa-um5sv
    @MaHa-um5sv6 ай бұрын

    Love your channel! Thank you!

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in!

  • @MicaFarrierRheayan
    @MicaFarrierRheayan6 ай бұрын

    It's athleticism!

  • @itstuff4744
    @itstuff47445 ай бұрын

    Magnifique, grandiose. Du jamais vu avant ça.

  • @looknofurther2533
    @looknofurther25336 ай бұрын

    Breathtaking performances. Thanks for the much appreciated insights, Kent! Happy new year.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Happy New Year!

  • @jonnarobinson7541
    @jonnarobinson75416 ай бұрын

    Kent, I LOVE ❤️ your videos💕💕 I taught high school dance for many years. We always watched excerpts from The Turning Point. I still have a copy of the movie on VHS. I have seen these variations literally hundreds of times. And it never gets old. I don’t care how many new male dancers appear, Baryshnikov is the best🎉🤩⭐️😀

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Too bad the Turning Point is not available on streaming, only DVD

  • @mikkitownshend44

    @mikkitownshend44

    6 ай бұрын

    Its available on Hulu. I watched just before Christmas

  • @chipsanders0822
    @chipsanders08226 ай бұрын

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS, KENT! And may your new year be filled with the joy of dance! From your #1 fan, Chip (aka B. Nicholas Barthold) PS Thank you for another interesting and beautifully produced ballet video. #I❤🩰

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for all of your support, Chip! Will have more to come in 2024. Have a great New Years celebration!

  • @TheBorzoilover
    @TheBorzoilover5 ай бұрын

    I know speaking for myself he is the best male dancer that i have ever seen .

  • @Marta44339
    @Marta443396 ай бұрын

    Wonderful video. Thanks as always for your informative as well as entertaining films.

  • @Diane574
    @Diane5746 ай бұрын

    Love love love! Thank you!!

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for tuning in!

  • @Diane574

    @Diane574

    6 ай бұрын

    @@KentGBecker Always. I love your narrated videos! ♥️

  • @fartblossom1908
    @fartblossom19084 ай бұрын

    Superb stuff, Mr. B!

  • @SophyaAgain
    @SophyaAgain7 күн бұрын

    I did not know Baryshnikov had defected!

  • @douglaslucas2155
    @douglaslucas21556 ай бұрын

    Another excellent video and analysis. Thanks!

  • @yaramarrufo9107
    @yaramarrufo91075 ай бұрын

    Maravilloso por siempre

  • @frostproff4311
    @frostproff43116 ай бұрын

    Ну не знаю, а я просто прогулялся от дома юности Барышникова до его первого хореографического училища.

  • @anneharrison1849
    @anneharrison18496 ай бұрын

    I actually think it’s harder doing something that will be spliced together. You have to do multiple run throughs, not because you need to improve a section, but for stuff like “the lighting was wrong”.

  • @bgytube1

    @bgytube1

    5 ай бұрын

    Good point! These videos are terrific😊

  • @drummerlovesbookworm9738
    @drummerlovesbookworm97384 ай бұрын

    You have nearly 18 thousand subscribers! 🤎

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    4 ай бұрын

    Which is 18K more than I thought I would ever have!

  • @ac1646
    @ac16465 ай бұрын

    This is why I love the internet.😊 How else would I know this. 😁

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @MrQbenDanny
    @MrQbenDanny6 ай бұрын

    BRAVO 👏!!! Kent 🎉!!! Another YANKEE STADIUM 🏟 homerun post.!!! NUREYEV made history and BARYSHNIKOV changed it!! I think these innovative choreography complexities were likely already in the experimental stages at Vaganova with Maestro PUSHKIN who was also NUREYEV'S teacher. The "Open 4th" preparation for turning I think was originally planned by MESSERER at Bolshoi, though, I saw the great CHABUKIANI on video do it also and he was responsible for many great Bravura creations that were never credited to him at the Kirov. My bet it was CHABUKIANI... Vladimir VASILIEV used the OPEN 4th in most if not all variations. In closing, The greatest step I saw BARYSHNIKOV execute was the traveling brisés in the 2nd act of Giselle in his American debut at ABT with NATASHA. No one has ever equaled his electric speed precisión and the leaning forwards toward the feet. I remember Martine Van Hamel's amazed look watching him come towards her with the speed of a bowling ball! That American debut performance was not at the Metropolitan, it was at the State Theater. I remember the shock people were in after the performance. That performance as Albrecht the great BARYSHNIKOV sealed his legendary legacy. Thank God this silly "The Turning Point" movie captured his genius, and the great ALEXANDRA DANILOVA scene stealing!!! P.S. Jeremy NASMITH posted a wonderful "Le Corsair" on his channel!!! Cheers 🎉for 2024😊

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for your detailed comments! I wondered about the open 4th position for turns common among Russians. Didn't know it might have originated with Messenger. Thanks for bringing up Baryshnikov's brisie series on Giselle. I may do a short on that given how stunning it was. Thanks again and best wishes for 2024!

  • @MrQbenDanny

    @MrQbenDanny

    6 ай бұрын

    @KentGBecker I think doing a short exclusively on the famous traveling brisés is a fantastic idea. Definitely do it!!! Cheers 🍻 👏 ✌️ 🥂!

  • @pediatrapaola

    @pediatrapaola

    6 ай бұрын

    same reaction in italy when misha debuted in giselle with our fracci in giselle .people could not belive to their eyes when misha did his trmendous revoltades ,and me too was 1975 in florence @@KentGBecker

  • @Marta44339

    @Marta44339

    6 ай бұрын

    Baryshnikov's traveling brisés in Act II are phenomenal and so much more dramatic and expressive than the gazillion entrechats done by many dancers. I also would love to see Kent Becker video on these!

  • @stephaniecruvant9130

    @stephaniecruvant9130

    6 ай бұрын

    Danny, thanks for sharing & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  • @pediatrapaola
    @pediatrapaola6 ай бұрын

    already chabukiani showed pirouettes in plie in one of his solos as frondoso in laurencia .soloviev too did in his solo in l corsaire .both available here on YT

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Will check it out

  • @misspomerol
    @misspomerol5 ай бұрын

    Goats are goats for a reason. Bollè is the next. People with that alien level talent.

  • @CarmenReyes-em9np
    @CarmenReyes-em9np3 ай бұрын

    Mexico❤

  • @sparkybarnes1150
    @sparkybarnes11506 ай бұрын

    I’ve always been impressed with his airtime, He was always able to get stuff done in the air cuz he has some serious airtime. Of course by impressed I mean jealous. 😢 And was jealous of you too. But I did stay with the music… You always said staying with the music didn’t matter as long as you started with the music and ended with it…..which you seemed to always do. Take care Bud.

  • @KentGBecker

    @KentGBecker

    6 ай бұрын

    Dave? Is that you? Only you would remember something I said 40 years ago. Send me an email at kentgbecker@gmail.com.

  • @sparkybarnes1150

    @sparkybarnes1150

    6 ай бұрын

    Yes, sent you email. HNY!!!🎉🎉🎉

  • @CarmenReyes-em9np
    @CarmenReyes-em9np3 ай бұрын

    😍❣️🇲🇽💞💯💐

  • @kassiapencek6185
    @kassiapencek61856 ай бұрын

    The algorithm sent me to this channel that i think u will also enjoy the current young dancers hard at work!!! @evanysphotography

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