Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the world’s greatest dancers and champions of dance, has pursued his passion for over 40 years in a range of dance disciplines. A native of Riga, Latvia, he began studying ballet at age nine; as a teenager, he entered the school of the Kirov Ballet, graduating from student to principal dancer in 1969. In 1974, he left Russia to pursue a career with ballet and modern companies around the world, settling in NYC in 1979 as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and from 1979 to 1980, with New York City Ballet. 1n 1980 he returned to ABT as artistic director, nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. In his illustrious career, he has danced more than one hundred different works on the world’s greatest stages. Most of the world’s foremost choreographers have created works especially for him, including Jerome Robbins with A Suite of Dances. In addition to his dancing, Baryshnikov has proved himself a capable actor, starring in five films and earning an Oscar-nomination for his performance in The Turning Point. He has appeared numerous times on television, including three Emmy award-winning specials. In 1989, he appeared on Broadway in Metamorphosis, earning a Tony nomination and a Drama Critics Award. From 1990-2002, Baryshnikov was director and dancer with White Oak Dance Project, using his remarkable talents to expand the repertoire of American modern dance. His most recent BAM performances were in 2000 and 1997 with White Oak Project featuring the choreography of Trisha Brown, John Jasperse, and Mark Morris, among others. Baryshnikov is currently devoting his time and energy to the realization of the Baryshnikov Arts Center, dedicated to the development of new and experimental work, scheduled to open in January 2005. He is also performing in a new play created by the acclaimed theater artist Rezo Gabriadze. Among his most recent awards are the Kennedy Center Honors, The National Medal of Honor, Commonwealth Award, and The Chubb Fellowship.

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is recognized internationally for its innovative programming of dance, music, theater, music-theater, opera, and film. BAM presents leading national and international artists and companies in its annual Spring Season and highlights groundbreaking, contemporary work in the performing arts with its Next Wave Festival each fall. Founded in 1983, the Next Wave is one of the world′s most important festivals of contemporary performing arts. BAM Rose Cinemas features new, independent film releases and BAMcinématek—a curated, daily repertory film program—features classics, retrospectives, and contemporary international films often accompanied by guest speakers.

BAM also serves New York City′s diverse population through a weekend concert series in BAMcafé, community events, literary series, and a wide variety of educational programs. BAM, America′s oldest performing arts center in continuous operation, has presented performances since 1861, and attracts an audience of 400,000 people each year. The institution is led by President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Executive Producer Joseph V. Melillo.

10/06

Ms. Tipton, born in Columbus, Ohio, began her studies at Cornell University in astrophysics, graduated with a degree in English, and moved to New York City where she studied dance and performed with a group called the Merry-Go-Rounders. She began her design career under the tutelage of lighting designer Thomas Skelton and since then has won international acclaim and honors for her work in the performing arts including numerous Tony, Obie, Bessie, and Olivier Awards. In addition to her work in theater and opera, she has worked closely with Mikhail Baryshnikov and such choreographers as Jiri Kylian, Dana Reitz, Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp. Her first collaboration with Mr. Robbins took place in 1973 at the Spoleto Festival in Italy where she lit Celebration: The Art of the Pas de Deux. Other collaborations with Mr. Robbins include Antique Epigraphs; Brahms/Handel (with Twyla Tharp); Brandenburg; The Dybbuk Variations; The Four Seasons; In Memory Of...; In the Night; Ives, Songs; Quiet City; A Suite of Dances; Watermill; and West Side Story Suite.