The particular ballet was not so important as the fact that I was physically healthy, and capable of getting out there and dancing as often as possible.

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.

You're never more of an individual than when you're a happy team player.

I set as my goal to be the best dancer I could be. Not the most famous, or the highest paid dancer, just the best I could be. Out of this discipline came great freedom and calm.

Once I started dancing, I was not the spoiled brat or the rebellious child that I was as a child.

Eating a healthy diet is not just about eating a few special foods. There's a bigger picture. You need to practice moderation, eat a variety of foods, and get enough physical activity.