Students who frequent the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts have recently been treated to a rather extraordinary sight -- world-famous ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who has been spotted at the Hop several times over the past few days, usually eating lunch.
Baryshnikov, who is at the College with the White Oak Dance Project for four performances beginning next week, arrived in Hanover on Monday, according to Hopkins Center Publicity Coordinator Georgia Croft.
He is currently "deeply involved" with work on a new dance that will have its world premiere during the performances next week at the Moore Theatre, according to Croft.
Baryshnikov said he appreciates the privacy the College has afforded him and called the campus "lovely." He added that his dance company's rehearsals have been "so far, so good."
There are no plans at this time for Baryshnikov to meet with students, since "all of his time and energy is going into the development of this dance," Croft said.
Croft said she is very impressed by College students' behavior towards Baryshnikov.
It is obvious students have recognized Baryshnikov and are thrilled each time they see him, Croft said, and she praised College students for "respecting his privacy."
Baryshnikov has also been sighted by College students at the opening performance of the drama department's main-stage production, "Private Lives."
"He is just like everybody else," Croft said. "He needs to relax and these are wonderful opportunities to enjoy our own productions."
In the meantime, students are encouraged to continue to provide Baryshnikov with the courtesy and privacy they have already shown, Croft said.
Many students said they were excited to see such a famous person on campus and some even sneaked a peek at his lunch.
"He had a tuna melt with Swiss cheese today," said Jeff Brown '99, who sighted Baryshnikov while eating lunch at the Courtyard Cafe. "And I think he really likes Hop fries."
Dartmouth was able to extend to the White Oaks Dance Project the needed space, time and privacy thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded to the College by the New England Foundation for the Arts.
