Authors

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov (born 1948 in Riga) is a Russian-born dancer, choreographer, and actor known for his technical virtuosity and expressive stage presence. He defected from the Soviet Union in 1974, became a leading principal with American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, served as ABT artistic director (1980–89), and later co-founded the White Oak Dance Project.

Quotes: 2

Quotes by Mikhail Baryshnikov

I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself. — Mikhail Baryshnikov

Striving for Self-Improvement Over Comparison

Baryshnikov's words highlight a shift from external competition to inner mastery, emphasizing that true progress is made not by eclipsing others but by surpassing one’s own limitations. This ethos underpins many modern a...

Created on: 5/23/2025

You Grow Old When You Stop Dreaming — Mikhail Baryshnikov

This quote implies that the act of dreaming—pursuing aspirations and holding onto hopes—is essential to maintaining a youthful spirit. To stop dreaming is to invite the mindset of aging or stagnation.

Created on: 11/5/2024