For those of you who may not have done the math, the year I was in the sixth grade was the year the film The Turning Point was released. This was my first glimpse of a man in tights...and the man was Mikhail Barishnikov.

Yes, this was really a turning point in my life (insert your own rim shot here).

Several years later, I was privileged to see the talented Mr. Barishnikov dance on a few occasions. Once, he was even still on the young side and still dancing with the American Ballet Theater. He danced in Giselle and when he leapt, he leapt so high that he disappeared behind that little curtain at the top of the stage.

Later, when he wasn�t quite so young anymore, I saw him dance with his White Oak Dance Project. He was different; maybe not so strong anymore, but still brilliant.

Here�s the thing about male ballet dancers: In my humble opinion, it�s hard to find one who not only has the strength to disappear behind curtains when the leap, but who can also act. Therefore, once they get old and their knees give out, they can dance no more. Barishnikov is not only strong, he can act (White Knights notwithstanding. I�m talking about acting in a dancer-sense, here...although, if you want to see some kick-ass dancing, I recommend that otherwise dismal movie highly). Therefore, after his knees started to give out, he just made adjustments to the manner in which he danced.

He is truly awesome.

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