Mikhail Barishnikov, one of the world's leading modern dancers, is making a first trip to Taipei at the end of the month along with his experimental dance group, the White Oak Dance Project.
The troupe will perform pieces created last year, including Peccadillos, choreographed by Mark Morris, For the Love of Rehearsal, by David Gordon, Whizz, by Deborah Hay and See Through Knot by John Jasperse.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ASPECT ART
Barishnikov, 52, is one of Russia's greatest ballet dancers often mentioned in the same breath as the dancing legend Rudolf Nureyev (1938-93). But since his defection to the US in 1975, he has broadened his career beyond that of his predecessor to make five films, among them The White Night, which told the story of his escape from the Soviet Union and brought him fame outside the realm of dance. In 1989, he performed in a Broadway show Metamorphosis, earning a Tony Award nomination.
Arriving in the US at 26, Baryshnikov immediately joined the American Ballet Theater (ABT) in the capacity of principal dancer. In 1979, he left the theater and worked with George Ballenchine at New York City Ballet. In the 1980s, he returned to ABT to serve as its artistic director for the next 10 years.
In the 1990s, Baryshnikov took up dancing again with the White Oak Dance Project, a team he founded with choreographer Mark Morris. This experimental dance troupe, made of some of the best modern dancers, has performed more than 30 shows around the world, showcasing the works of such young choreographers as Jeremy Robbins and Paul Taylor.
Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theater (雲門舞集) founder Lin Hwai-min (林懷民) has lauded Baryshnikov as an exceptional dancer who, with each piece, challenges the status quo of dance and breaks new ground. Lin further says that while Russian dancers are known for their extravagant technique, Barishnikov is different, enhancing his performances with musicality and natural body movement.
Performance notes
When Feb. 23, 24 and 25
Where Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Tickets 2/23, NT$800-NT$3,000; 2/24, NT$1,000-NT$3,000;
2/25, NT$800-NT$3,000
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