FAQ About Mikhail Baryshnikov
When did Mikhail Baryshnikov defect from the Soviet Union?
Mikhail Baryshnikov defected from the Soviet Union in 1974 while on tour with the Kirov Ballet in Toronto, Canada. Seeking artistic freedom and broader opportunities, this move allowed him to pursue a flourishing career in the West, leading to his debut with the American Ballet Theatre and eventually joining the New York City Ballet.
