- (On dancing with Anthony Dowell): "We had such chemistry. He's so strong".
- (On dancing with Mikhail Baryshnikov): "He suits me. It's like a marriage".
- It's a hard life... but if I could, I would do it all again.
- Even the ears must dance.
- When I joined the ABT, my contract specified that I would be given brand new ballets. Nothing like that ever happened.
- I want to be free... free to develop my art.
- Dancers, many dancers today can do so much technically. You can give them steps that are complicated, then more complicated, pyrotechnical - and they can execute these steps to perfection. But to do simple steps with a pure classical line, that is truly difficult.
- It is a matter of achieving harmonious beauty, which is perhaps the most difficult thing to comprehend, to accept. The dancers here are very good, but I don't think they have been taught that way. But they are open, and very willing to learn.
- It was unimaginable to speak onstage, especially in English - even now. Not because of my speaking ability, but because of ... my legs.
- (When she returned to the Kirov Ballet and danced with 'Konstantin Zaklinsky'): "It was emotional ecstasy backstage. I was so nervous I was shaking, shaking like I have never done before. I wanted this moment for 18 years. I never dreamed I would be able to dance with the Kirov so soon".
- To look back all the time is boring. Excitement lies in tomorrow.
- Anyone who can laugh at yourself have comedian possibility. I do not take seriously myself. I can laugh at myself all the time. I didn't have much opportunity in ballet; all my roles are dramatic, mostly tragic. It's the same satisfaction here - even more, because it's so positive. When the public laughs, I feel happy. I really feel excited. More laugh, more you get in high spirit. It's like a drug - it make you high.
- (On dancing after her injury): ''It doesn't bother me when I'm dancing, but after a performance, it's difficult for me even to do this [while lifting a glass of water. Her arm sagging.] At end of day, it gets very heavy".
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