The pointes for girls, I always say, have to be like an elephant's trunk; strong and yet flexible and soft.

I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.

Choreography is simpler than you think. Just go and do, and don't think so much about it. Just make something interesting.

Ballet will speak for itself. About itself.

I could never make a ballet by wrinkling my brow and concentrating. If you set out deliberately to make a masterpiece, how will you ever get it finished?

Storyless is not abstract. Two dancers on the stage are enough material for a story; for me, they are already a story in themselves

First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you're very lucky and have said your prayers.