On the night of June 29, 1974, Mikhail Baryshnikov, a renowned ballet star with the Bolshoi Ballet, made a daring escape from the Soviet Union during a performance in Toronto. At the age of 26, he ran past fans and K.G.B. agents to meet friends who drove him to the free world, marking the start of a new life for him. His escape captured global attention, with headlines like "Soviet Dancer in Canada Defects on Bolshoi Tour" splashed across newspapers. Baryshnikov's decision to defect and pursue a career in the West not only cemented his status as a cultural celebrity but also paved the way for his success in the ballet world. His escape story remains a testament to his courage and determination in pursuit of freedom and artistic fulfillment.