Mikhail Baryshnikov is a Soviet and American ballet dancer, choreographer, actor, collector, photographer, and public figure. Honored Artist of the RSFSR. The "non-returnee" in the USSR, who remained in Canada during a tour in 1974.
In exile, Baryshnikov achieved incredible success: he made his debut in New York in the ballet Giselle, and since then has performed many leading roles in classical and modern productions, becoming the premiere and then the head of the American Ballet Theater. Later, he left classical ballet and mastered a new direction – modern. In addition, Baryshnikov starred in several films in Hollywood.
Soon after Baryshnikov found himself in New York, he met Joseph Brodsky. From the second meeting, they switched to "you", as the artist said: "He offered to switch to "you", but with one condition: instead of "Misha", he, according to consonance, offered to call me "Mouse". For himself, he chose a name paired with my new nickname – "Joseph the cat". That's what we called each other until the last day of our friendship." This friendship turned out to be long and strong – it lasted for 22 years, until the poet's death. Baryshnikov was the first person to whom Brodsky confided his secrets and read new poems.