Mikhail Baryshnikov is a renowned Russian-American ballet dancer, choreographer, and actor, celebrated for his exceptional technique and artistry. Born on January 27, 1948, in Riga, Latvia, he trained at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and later joined the Kirov Ballet, where he gained international acclaim. In 1974, Baryshnikov defected to the West, eventually joining the American Ballet Theatre and becoming a principal dancer. He has collaborated with various choreographers and has appeared in films and television, including the popular series Sex and the City. Baryshnikov is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century.