Ballet AZ Blog

Our Top 5 Balanchine Quotes

If you hadn’t noticed, we are big fans of George Balanchine. Not only did his ballets leave a lasting impression on the world, but so did his words. Here are our top 5 favorite Balanchine quotes to inspire you!

Ballet Arizona company dancers in George Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. © The George Balanchine Trust.

Ballet is important and significant – yes. But first of all it is a pleasure. 

See the music, hear the dance.

Ballet Arizona company dancers in George Balanchine’s Emeralds. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. © The George Balanchine Trust.

First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty, if you’re very lucky and have said your prayers. 

The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.

Ballet Arizona company dancers in George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. © The George Balanchine Trust.

When you have a garden full of pretty flowers, you don’t demand of them, “What do you mean? What is your significance?” Dancers are just flowers, and flowers grow without any literal meaning, they are just beautiful. We’re like flowers. A flower doesn’t tell you a story. It’s in itself a beautiful thing.

Read “10 Quotes from Dancers & Choreographers to Inspire You”

Share it:

Recent Articles

Legacy & Impact: Celebrating Ib Andersen

Legacy & Impact: Celebrating Ib Andersen

During Ib’s tenure as artistic director, he created over 36 ballets, brought a multitude of renowned classics and cutting-edge new…

Behind-the-Scenes of All Balanchine with Ib Andersen

Behind-the-Scenes of All Balanchine with Ib Andersen

Tell us about All Balanchine!  The repertoire this year is spectacular… but it is Balanchine, so it is always extraordinary.…

Letter from the Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak: The Legacy & Impact of Artistic Director Ib Andersen

Letter from the Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak: The Legacy & Impact of Artistic Director Ib Andersen

In the world of ballet, legacy is measured not only in graceful movements on stage but in the enduring impact…

Make an Impact

Donors are the heart of our organization. Each instance of support, from donations to volunteering, supports a company of dedicated dancers, dance education and community initiatives all year long. Ready to make a donation?

Welcome to Ballet Arizona's new, official website!
close-image