Mikhail Baryshnikov Receives Honorary Doctorate from SU

Posted February 26, 2008:

SU's Shenandoah Conservatory awarded an honorary doctorate to world-famous dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov on Friday, Sept. 28, during a fund-raising gala at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va.

<P>(Pictured, left to right) Erica Helm, Professor, Jennifer Green, Assistant Dean, Erica Covington and Rachel Smith, dance students, Tracy Fitzsimmons, President-Elect, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and guest Katie Vickers.</P>
<P>The Lorton Arts Foundation in Fairfax County, Va., partnered with the Baryshnikov Dance Foundation of New York to host the black-tie event to raise money to support the performing and visual arts at the Workhouse Arts Center as well as the Baryshnikov Arts Center.</P>

The Shenandoah University community is thrilled to honor legendary dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov. His stature as an artist and creator goes beyond the stage and into the realm of being a cultural icon, said Dr. Laurence Kaptain, dean of Shenandoah Conservatory. He uses his influence and his position for advancing art and creativity on a global scale. His compassion, humanity and sensitivity separate him from those who have used fame for purely personal gain. Shenandoah Conservatory is proud to have this new affiliation, and to have such a great artist accept the highest honor that we can bestow.

<P>Baryshnikov is the most celebrated artist in the dance world. His extraordinary, enduring talent prompted Time magazine to proclaim him "the greatest living dancer." Rising to stardom in classical ballet, Baryshnikov has pursued his passion for dancing for more than 40 years in a range of dance disciplines.</P> <P>In addition to his dancing, Baryshnikov has proved himself as a capable actor, starring in five films, including his Oscar-nominated performance in "The Turning Point." He has appeared numerous times on television and on Broadway, where he earned a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Critics Award for his role in "Metamorphosis."</P> <P>Among his most recent awards are the Kennedy Center Honors, The National Medal of Honor, the Commonwealth Award and Yale University's highest honor, the Chubb Fellowship. In 2006, he received an honorary degree from New York University.</P> <P>Baryshnikov partnered with the Lorton Arts Foundation because he shares a vision of supporting the arts and providing a forum for artists to display their work and talent.</P>