Raised in Latvia

Mother took him to Bolshoi School at age nine; was selected with 12 others out of 250 applicants

Danced with the Moiseyev Ballet Company

Moved to Moscow and became principal dancer with the Bolshoi Dance Company

Made debut at Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow, in "Swan Lake"

Made film debut, played Vronski in the ballet version of "Anna Karenina"

Defected while the Bolshoi was on tour in New York

Joined the American Ballet Theatre, New York; three year contract was not renewed by ABT artistic director Mikhail Baryshnikov (official company statement said his repertory was too limited and the company could not afford his $5,500 per week salary)

Performed as guest artist with several dance companies; formed his own temporary dance troupes for tours including "Godunov and Stars"

US TV debut on PBS special, "Godunov: The World to Dance In"

Gave final dance performance

US feature debut, played an Amish farmer in "Witness"

Became a US citizen

Attended and taught at Lichine Ballet Academy in Beverly Hills

Final feature, cast as an Amish dad in Rob Reiner's "North"