Mikhail Baryshnikov Spectacular Turning Point Solos

The Turning Point from 1977 is one of my favorite movies. Directed by Herbert Ross, it centers on the friendship of two dancers, one of whom opts for fame and glory as a ballet star, while the other chooses love, marriage, and children. The Turning Point featured dance segments from big name ballet stars of the 1970s including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Suzanne Farrell, Peter Martins, Fernando Bujones. The dance sequences are superb and should be mandatory study for any filmmaker interested in dance. This video provides commentary on two Baryshnikov solos: his Ali solo from Le Corsaire and the Basilio Act III solo from Don Quixote. Baryshnikov’s solos are stunning with numerous innovations, a real treat to watch. Thanks to dancer Jeremy Naismith for helpful commentary on another video that shapes my comments on the Ali variation solo. For the full Baryshnikov Turning Pointe solos without commentary, check out Stephen Nelson’s video: