Young Baryshnikov as Nikishka captures bird.

The “Tale of Serf Nikishka“ / “Сказ о холопе Никишке“ is a strange, and beautiful ballet. Obscure and rarely seen, it was produced by the Kirov Ballet in 1969, and recorded for Russian television in 1971. Dancing the title role is a very young Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is 23 years old in this video. Dancers: Mikhail Baryshnikov / Михаил Барышников Alla Osipenko Elena Evteeva Music: Marat Kamilov Choreography: Kyril Laskari Kirov Ballet, 1971 Synopsis: Nikishka, a Russian peasant boy, is completely fascinated with birds of the sky. He studies them and desires to fly as they do. He studies them, even going so far as to capture one for a closer look. He creates a set of wings. Unfortunately, his invention draws the attention and ire of Tsar Ivan. After menacing the village, the Tsar and his men throw Nikishka in prison. Nikishka’s girlfriend attempts to release him, but he refuses to flee, saying he can never truly be free unless he is allowe