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

Celebrating the Generosity Behind Ballet Arizona on National Philanthropy Day

Celebrating the Generosity Behind Ballet Arizona on National Philanthropy Day

The Community that Brings our Mission to Life This year, on National Philanthropy Day, we are taking a moment to…

You Keep the Magic Alive: Preserving Classical Ballet

You Keep the Magic Alive: Preserving Classical Ballet

  This fall, Ballet Arizona brought the timeless fairytale of The Sleeping Beauty to life on stage. The magic of the story,…

James Payne in Studio Company Rehearsal

Welcome James Payne: New Director of The School of Ballet Arizona

This past May, The School of Ballet Arizona (SBAZ) welcomed new School Director James Payne. With more than 35 years…

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?

ON SALE NOW! Single tickets for The Nutcracker and more! Explore Here
close-image