The importance of the arts to the societies in which they thrive is well documented.

I regret that I didn't enjoy it all more. I didn't savour it until the end because I was so hard on myself. Life goes by so quickly. A dancer's career goes by so quickly. You've got to enjoy those moments when you know you've done your best.

I really felt it was time for a new vision.

Treasure the things about you that make you different and unique.

When I grow up I am going to be a ballerina. I will be in Giselle. It will be so much fun being a ballerina.

There's nothing like the force and challenge of a new ballet to galvanize everyone involved in bringing it to life.

Like everyone else, I want to go on dancing forever, but I know the day is going to come when I will have to be doing something else.