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.

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

I was born to be a ballerina - my physique, my spirit, my feeling for music. What I am can only be expressed in dance. I am an erotic woman and that's what dance is.

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 a hard life... but if I could, I would do it all again.

Usually, English personalities are difficult; they dont take criticism easily.

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