White Nights Tharp, Twyla performer Baryshnikov, Mikhail performer Petit, Roland performer Hines, Gregory performer Film 1985-11-22 Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures. Directed by Taylor Hackford. Choreography: Twyla Tharp. Tap Choreography: Gregory Hines. Baryshnikov melded Hines' tap expertise with his balletic prowess when they costarred in White Nights (Twyla Tharp, Baryshnikov, Roland Petit and Hines 1985). They used their diverse dance styles to advance the plot and reveal their characters and nationalities through dance. Their "Challenge" (Ballet vs. Tap) added great dimension to plot and character, as well as giving the film sheer entertainment value. Set in the Soviet Union, involving a defecting dancer. Performing Arts Encyclopedia http://www.loc.gov/performingarts Billman, Larry: Film Choreographers and Dance Directors: An Illustrated Biographical Encyclopedia, 1893-1955. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland (1997). Tap Dance America http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/tda/tda-home.html Gregory Hines (biography) loc.music.tdabio.106 tda IHAS 151216 loc.music.tda.280