That the work involved, the willingness to take chances, the commitment, the opportunity to get on stage and make people happy, was more important than becoming famous, or even what I was dancing.

Treat each class as if it were your first.

I think especially in a world where you have so little say about what goes on in your life, or in the politics of the world around you, it is wonderful to go into that studio, and tell yourself what to do.

In fact, ballet companies did not exist in the Midwest when I was a child.

That the work involved, the willingness to take chances, the commitment, the opportunity to get on stage and make people happy, was more important than becoming famous, or even what I was dancing.

Do not brood. It makes the moment you are living in unavailable for learning and life.

I used to love to play dress-up, where you get your mother's or your grandmother's dresses and high heels.