Ballet AZ Blog

Words to Inspire You: 10 Quotes from Dancers & Artists

It’s 2022 and whether or not you are the type of person to make resolutions and goals, we want you to start the new year feeling inspired! Here are 10 quotes from dancers and choreographers that will add a little magic to your life.


 George Balanchine's-movements-image
Ballet Arizona in George Balanchine’s “Symphony in Three Movements.” Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. © The George Balanchine Trust.

1.The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking one’s self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.” – Margot Fonteyn

2.The creative process is not controlled by a switch you can simply turn on or off; it’s with you all the time.” – Alvin Ailey

3.Very often you are in the right place, at the right time, but don’t know it.” – Maria Tallchief

4. “You live as long as you dance.” – Rudolf Nureyev

5.I have never achieved great fame – no heights of incredible glory. But any strong endeavor that gives you a sense of joy is the greatest thing in life.” – Sono Osato

6.Be. Good. To yourself, to other people, to everything you do. It’s a norm of life by which people should try to live. Don’t waste time. Be interesting and interested.” – Mikhail Baryshnikov.

7.Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.” – Katherine Dunham

8.What exactly is success? For me, it is to be found not in applause, but in the satisfaction of feeling that one is realizing one’s ideal.” – Anna Pavlova

9.Walk into a room, knowing you are somebody, somebody special. Don’t ever let them smash that or pull you down.” – Arthur Mitchell

10.The dance is strong magic. The body can fly without wings. It can sing without voice. The dance is strong magic. The dance is life.” – Pearl Primus


Read ‘Photographing Ballet with Rosalie O’Connor

Share it:

Recent Articles

2025 Hazel Hare Award of Artistic Excellence

2025 Hazel Hare Award of Artistic Excellence

Established in 2018, the award honors one male and one female dancer whose spirit echoes the strength, dedication, and passion…

From Folklore to Contemporary Ballet: The Making of Akelarre

From Folklore to Contemporary Ballet: The Making of Akelarre

This past March, the curtain rose on Ballet Arizona’s newest world premiere, Akelarre. Created by Resident Choreographer, Nayon Iovino, and…

The Creativity of our People: A Letter from Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak

The Creativity of our People: A Letter from Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak

Why do we continue to believe in the power of the arts during the most uncertain times? Because they unite…

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?

JUST ANNOUNCED: Ballet Arizona's 2025 - 2026 Season! Explore Now
close-image