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Mikhail Baryshnikov Trivia Quiz

This is but a cursory introduction to one of the greatest dancers who ever lived. I couldn't believe that no quiz about him existed, so I thought I'd better create one!

A multiple-choice quiz by califpete. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
califpete

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
271,819

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
665

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Most Americans can't pronounce Mikhail Baryshnikov's first name, so they refer to him by a nickname which would normally be used only by family and close friends in his native Latvia. What is that name? Hint

Vanya

Rikki

Pyotr

Misha

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Question 2 of 10

2. What 1977 film introduced this incredible performer to world-wide audiences? Hint

The Turning Point

All That Jazz

Dancers

Shall We Dance?

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Question 3 of 10

3. In which 1985 film did Baryshnikov co-star with incomparable tap dancer Gregory Hines? Hint

Russia House

The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming

Center Stage

White Nights

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Question 4 of 10

4. In 1980 Baryshnikov took over artistic directorship of which renowned dance company? Hint

Cirque De Soleil

California Ballet Company

Joffrey Ballet

American Ballet Theatre

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Question 5 of 10

5. A major motive for Baryshnikov's defection from what was then the Soviet Union was the desire for artistic freedom: the chance to create, rather than dance nothing but classical ballets. With which modern dancer did he do some of his most entertaining and innovative work? Hint

Martha Graham

Paul Taylor

Isadora Duncan

Twyla Tharp

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Question 6 of 10

6. Conspicuous in the dance world as a blazing heterosexual, with which of these talented women did Baryshnikov not have a relationship? Hint

Jessica Lange

Lisa Rinehart

Gelsey Kirkland

Gwen Verdon

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Question 7 of 10

7. Mikhail Baryshnikov admired Fred Astaire's dancing.

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. When Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to Canada on June 29th, 1974, his Kirov Ballet partner was Irina Kolpakova.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. After stepping down from the leadership of A.B.T., in what company did Baryshnikov work with Mark Morris ? Hint

Danny's Danseurs

Variable Velocity Performance Group

Denishawn dancers

White Oak Dance Company

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Question 10 of 10

10. In 1987, Mikhail Baryshnikov appeared in the book "The Swan Prince", which spoofed the world of classical ballet.

True

False

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Most Recent Scores

Nov 14 2024 : YamaV: 10/10
Oct 31 2024 : piet: 3/10

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: Misha

The practice was initially irritating to the dancer, but -- after hearing "Mick-Hail" and "Mick-High-El" a few too many times -- he began encouraging the use of "Misha."

2. What 1977 film introduced this incredible performer to world-wide audiences?

Answer: The Turning Point

Baryshnikov had just defected to the West two years before filming began. In the United States, he was known only to devout balletomanes before the release of "The Turning Point". His performance brought ballet to public attention, and spurred a decade of ballet fever unknown before or since in the United States.

3. In which 1985 film did Baryshnikov co-star with incomparable tap dancer Gregory Hines?

Answer: White Nights

Many feel it's not a fabulous film, but the dance sequences make it worth watching. In one shot Baryshnikov does fourteen pirouettes while wearing cowboy boots!

4. In 1980 Baryshnikov took over artistic directorship of which renowned dance company?

Answer: American Ballet Theatre

His beliefs in challenging choreography and the nurturing of stars within the company created some of the most exciting dance work of the late 20th century.

Answer: Twyla Tharp

Originally performed in 1976, "Push Comes to Shove" is a virtuoso performance which happens also to be hilarious. Baryshnikov and Tharp also collaborated on "The Little Ballet" and "Sinatra Suite." Filmed for TV broadcast in 1984, they are available on DVD.

6. Conspicuous in the dance world as a blazing heterosexual, with which of these talented women did Baryshnikov not have a relationship?

Answer: Gwen Verdon

Jessica Lange bore his child, Aleksandra, in 1981. He and Gelsey Kirkland had a much-publicized and allegedly stressful relationship when both were with ABT. He and Lisa Rinehart have interwoven their lives since around 1982, and have three children together.

7. Mikhail Baryshnikov admired Fred Astaire's dancing.

Answer: True

He expressed his opinion of Mr. Astaire simply: "Is genius."

8. When Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to Canada on June 29th, 1974, his Kirov Ballet partner was Irina Kolpakova.

Answer: True

From 1966, when Mikhail Baryshnikov joined Leningrad's Kirov Ballet, he was often partnered with Irina Kolpakova.

9. After stepping down from the leadership of A.B.T., in what company did Baryshnikov work with Mark Morris ?

Answer: White Oak Dance Company

Denishawn was created by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn in Los angeles in 1915. Variable Velocity was created in San Luis Obispo, California, in 2001.

10. In 1987, Mikhail Baryshnikov appeared in the book "The Swan Prince", which spoofed the world of classical ballet.

Answer: True

This very funny photo essay was written by Peter Anastos and photographed by Arthur Elfort. Anastos , Elfort, and Baryshnikov have donated all proceeds from its sale to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Source: Author califpete

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor JuniorTheJaws before going online.
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