Dancers, many dancers today can do so much technically. You can give them steps that are complicated, then more complicated, pyrotechnical - and they can execute these steps to perfection. But to do simple steps with a pure classical line, that is truly difficult.

To look back all the time is boring. Excitement lies in tomorrow.

Many people thought I would never succeed, because I am so Russian. So Russian, hundred percent.

Technical things are getting more mechanical. Take 'Swan Lake,' the Black Swan pas de deux. Now, my goodness, they're turning not just 32 fouettes - but double or triple pirouettes.

The expression should come from within oneself, conveying the spiritual - something between earth and heaven. And if one runs, one should not seem to touch the ground.

It’s hard to find backbone.I never had crisis of identity. But I think many Americans have it.

Even the ears must dance.