You cannot dance an arabesque in 'Swan Lake' and 'Nutcracker' the same way.

It is the body, subject to the harmony of the steps it is executing, which speaks. And it speaks to the heart in as direct a language as does music.

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.

It's not possible to be perfect - you can always do something better. I'm never proud of what I've done. Sometimes, I'm not ashamed.

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

A real ballerina must fill her space with her own personality.