I have always felt one of the things dance should do - its business being so clearly physical - is challenge the culture's gender stereotypes.

I always, somehow, knew that I was going to dance.

The ballet needs to tell its own story in such a way it can be received without having to be translated into language.

I had always seen myself as a star; I wanted to be a galaxy.

Generosity is luck going in the opposite direction, away from you. If you're generous to someone, if you do something to help him out, you are in effect making him lucky. This is important. It's like inviting yourself into a community of good fortune.

I have to feel that each thing I've learned I can push to another point next time. I'm not very good with repetition. I would rather not work than feel that repetition is the order of the day.

I don't believe in rushing and saying this is done and over with. That form of rebellion doesn't make sense to me. I've always attempted to familiarize myself with the traditions, and consider that a responsibility of the artist.