People think I was born in top hat and tails.

I just told my agent to forget all other projects for me. I was waiting for Audrey Hepburn. She asked for me, and I was ready. This could be the last and only opportunity I’d have to work with the great and lovely Audrey Hepburn and I was not missing it. Period.

If the dance is right, there shouldn't be a single superfluous movement.

I often take a brand-new suit or hat and throw it up against the wall a few times to get that stiff, square newness out of it.

Some people seem to think that good dancers are born, but all the good dancers I have known are taught or trained.

There comes a day when people begin to say, 'Why doesn't that old duffer retire?' I want to get out while they're still saying Astaire is a hell of a dancer.

The unpadded shoulders, the three-buttoned long and boxy coat, the too-short, thin pants, and the thin ties with striped buttoned shirts in dark colors-well, I suppose this may go very well with some personalities but it's not for me. To me, all such look like TV producers. Maybe they want to.