... each action taken in this world has its echo in the heart.

The dance goes on forever. So shall I. So shall we.

The first year with ABT I learned 13 new roles. Most were lengthy ballets, more complicated than I was used to. I have suffered from tendinitis since I was 13, and it flared up again until the pain was paralyzing. There were times I prayed I'd be sick so I wouldn't have to go on.

I danced with passion to spite the music.

When you are on stage you are having an affair with three thousand people.

As unnatural as dancing is, you have to find a natural way to do the unnatural.

There was a stage when Balanchine and I didn't talk. I was trying to develop my classical technique as opposed to the fast-track technique that he was pushing. We were very quiet with each other. But after two years he saw what I was doing and sent messages through other people that, yes, this is good.