Mikhail Baryshnikov first met Rudolf Nureyev during a Kirov Ballet tour to London in 1970. Baryshnikov defected from the Soviet Union in 1974, requesting political asylum in Canada.
Rudolf emerged to everybody’s surprise in the early 60’s like discovering a wildflower which never existed before. This flower emerged in middle of nowhere practically, it emerged
somewhere in the desert and mountains, a flower of infinite beauty. You could admire it, you could be amazed by it, you could touch it, but you could never cut this flower. Because this flower had very strong roots, very strong stem which has supported that beauty.
Rudolf was an unusual man of all respects, instinctive, intelligent, constant curiosity, extraordinary discipline, that was his goal in life and of course love of performing. He loved
strong women, loyal men, he loved his life.
I learned a lot from him, although we are very different performers. I will miss him for the rest of my life. That’s for sure.
Nureyev & Friends, filmed at Le Palais des Congrès in May 2013, features dancers from the world’s finest ballet companies paying tribute to Nureyev in an exceptionally prestigious dance gala celebrating the 75th anniversary of his birth
