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<i> Compiled by Terry Atkinson</i>

“Baryshnikov by Tharp.” Kultur. $39.95. This 1984 “Dance in America” studio production includes three inventive ballets created by Twyla Tharp for Mikhail Baryshnikov and American Ballet Theatre: the intimate, dreamy “Little Ballet,” the intense, downbeat “Sinatra Suite” and the antic, large-scale “Push Comes to Shove.” New production values and nervous direction by Tharp and Don Mischer sometimes distort or coarsen the choreographies (there’s even an intrusive laugh track in “Push”). However, three years ago Baryshnikov still commanded as much technique as star presence and much of his dancing has a throwaway brilliance worth savoring over and over. Information: (800) 458-5887. ***

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