Mikhail Nikolaevitch Baryshnikov (俄语：Михаил Николаевич Барышников) (born January 28, 1948) is a famous Russian dancer, choreographer, and actor.
Baryshnikov, whose name is sometimes transliterated as Baryshinikov or Barishinikov, was born in Riga, Latvia to Russian parents. His mother enrolled him in the School of Theatre Opera Ballet in Riga when he was twelve. In time, he decided to follow a career as a dancer.
Baryshnikov was a unique dancer in many ways. He was short and thus had to work hard to prove his suitability for roles such as Siegfried in Swan Lake where a taller, more noble bearing was expected. His dancing was renowned for its textbook form, technical brilliance, and emotional detachment.