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

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

You've got to break through this idea of being light as a ballerina. The heavier you'll feel, the lighter you'll look.

Often, when you've reached a very high level of achievement, you almost become paralyzed by the idea that anything you might do might be imperfect. Perfection is just the striving, the effort, the struggle, but it's hard to remember that.

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.

I embarked on a risky course of plastic surgery and silicone injections, major dental realignments and gruesome medical procedures. I pray that young dancers, those who imitate me at their peril, will avoid this blind alley. It is more than a dead end; it is a dead beginning.

Fortunately for children, the uncertainties of the present always give way to the enchanted possibilities of the future.