When anyone talks about sports, I know enough about the three Southern Big ‘uns---Football, Basketball, and Baseball---just from high school and college games, to sound less-dumb-than-I-am, and WAY more enthusiastic.
. . . and when the coin of exchange in our society is sports statistics, and “How ‘bout them Colts?” serves as introduction, welcome, complaint, ice-breaker and sometime pick-up line, well---I just got left out. Neither Chris nor I enjoy watching sports on TV. Turning on a game would be as foreign to us as our walking into sports bar and changing the channel to a performance of "Tosca" or "Giselle." Everybody likes different things.
But the other day, a little blog poll (almost exclusively female readers---at least the commenters are, for everybody always addresses, “Ladies, or girls, or sisters and Gary.”) asked “Who is your favorite athlete?” and I responded as I always do: Baryshnikov. I wrote it in immediately, and on reading the comments, (mostly answered "don't have one,") I was pleasantly surprised to find him mentioned several more times---the only name repeated.
His physical training and athleticism and absolute control of every single muscle is simply astounding, and I’ve not found an equal in any sport---professional, Olympic, or ANY.
If you’d like to see a bit of his artistry, one of my favorite movies is “White Nights,” with him and the Divine Hines. And my favorite scene (along with the dance-off---“challenge” I think they called it) is a solo, with VERY deep, dark Russian music. But the dancing---oh, the dancing.
Backstory of White Nights: He took asylum in the USA years ago, a tragic accident caused his return, and he's facing the woman he loves, who has been persecuted by the government for all these years, because of his defection.
Giselle.... isn't that Tom Brady's girlfriend?
ReplyDeleteBaryshnikov had strength, flexibility, timing, stamina, and coordination. Certainly more of an athlete than the likes of Jeff Gordon. Or Phil Gordon, for that matter -- professional poker players actually want to be known as athletes, did you know?
I liked White Knights. A bit self-indulgent but when you can dance as well as those two you're allowed a bit of that.
Hello my dear friend, I came over to thank you for your many comments even when I have been unable to reciprocate. Even now I do not have time to really scroll down and catch up with your many lovely posts. I will be back this evening for a long read.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on me please. This has been many months of struggling for time on my computer. Posting is easy, finding time to visit has been hard.
I love you and miss you.
See you tonight,
Jeanne
I'm baaaaack! Hi Rachel I am looking forward to reading your previous posts and commenting too. Big smile here.
ReplyDeleteYou already know we are very sports minded people re: the Gator football games, basketball, etc. My hubs is far more into it than me. But I have to tell you, I LOVE Baryshnikov and his amazing talent. I love the arts much more than Bill. I drag him to lots of musicals ans plays and he used to complain. I took him to 'Phantom of the Opera' and now he is converted. I didn't see White knights but I wanted to so much.
On to the next brilliant post.
Love, Jeanne
Rachel, I tried to comment right after I read this Tuesday, but when I clicked on "Post," it was like I typed it in invisible ink -- it just POOFED! ... so, I thought I would try again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Baryshnikov with us. He is truly an exceptional athlete and should be recognized as such. I watched both videos and was "blown away," as they say ... by his awe-inspiring talent and physical prowess.
I am going to copy this before I try to submit it and will send it to you in an e-mail if it poofs!
I loved White Nights. I remember that my sister's walls were covered with Baryshnikov. He was the breakthrough one that proved that male ballet dancers weren't effete, but strong and muscular - atheletes, in fact.
ReplyDelete