" I think I got disappointed over the years about New York, about the States. You know, sometimes you go and visit Europe and see good old socialism in its good part! You see public concern about art, and young people’s participation and young faces in the audience. "
- Mikhail Baryshnikov

In the statement under consideration, Mikhail Baryshnikov expresses a sense of disappointment about his experiences with New York City and the broader United States. He contrasts these feelings by mentioning how visiting Europe has shown him aspects of socialism that he appreciates, particularly in relation to public support for art and the active involvement of young people.

The deep meaning of this quote lies in Baryshnikov's reflections on cultural differences between the United States and Europe. He highlights his appreciation for European social policies that foster a supportive environment for arts and culture, where there is an evident enthusiasm among younger generations to participate actively. This suggests that he finds the American approach lacking in comparison, noting areas such as public funding for the arts and community engagement as particularly weak points.

Mikhail Baryshnikov, born in Russia and renowned worldwide as a ballet dancer and choreographer, has had a long-standing career in both dance and theater. His experiences span across various cultural landscapes, contributing to his nuanced views on artistic expression and societal support for it.