By Joyce Kryszak
Amherst, NY – Legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov returns to perform once again at UB's Center For the Arts, Thursday night through Sunday. But the young emerging artists of his new Hell's Kitchen Dance troupe are the ones who will really take center stage.
Baryshnikov, or Misha as his friends call him, opened his impressive new arts center in New York city's Hell's Kitchen last year. Since then, he has hand picked some of the finest young dancers and choreographers to hone their skills there.
Now, those artists are going on the road. The short summer tour begins in Buffalo before moving on to California and Spain.
The troupe says, hopefully, these audiences will be kind in receiving the three new works being premiered.
Benjamin Millepied is a young but not inexperienced choreographer. His work has been highlighted in the New York City Ballet, the Geneva Ballet and soon in Paris.
Still, Millepied said he owes a lot to his friend Misha.
"To work with him in the studio, in many aspects, whether as a dancer of as a choreographer, I've learned a huge amount about the craft of making dances," said Millepied. "Just following his advice, seeing how he works and how he absorbs the work - and just on sheer conversation."
Those conversations take place both off and on stage. Aszure Barton is another professional dancer and up-and-coming choreographer whose work is being premiered. She said Misha tells it like it is - but always with regard for the integrity of the artists and their work.
"That's what's such a treat with this group. Everyone has such a respect," said Barton. "And Misha is incredible. He is so supportive of both Benjamin and I. He's so open and honest - he's very honest - and that's wonderful, because you don't want to be hiding things, you know. Just might as well have everything out, to work to together, in a collaborative way. That makes the best work."
Their work - and Baryshnikov - can be seen at the UB Center for the Arts Drama Theatre, Thursday through Saturday nights at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Half price rush seats will be available for some shows.