Natalia Makarova Quotes & Sayings

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. — Natalia Makarova

People tell me I'm dancing better than ever. I don't know what happened, but I have new enthusiasm and more endurance. — Natalia Makarova

It is the body, subject to the harmony of the steps it is executing, which speaks. And it speaks to the heart in as direct a language as does music. — Natalia Makarova

Because my profession is the body, it is a relaxation for me to get out of physicality and concentrate on more mental things. — Natalia Makarova

Technical things are getting more mechanical. Take 'Swan Lake,' the Black Swan pas de deux. Now, my goodness, they're turning not just 32 fouettes - but double or triple pirouettes. — Natalia Makarova

Even the ears must dance. — Natalia Makarova

I really feel sorry for new generation. It's hard to find backbone. I never had crisis of identity. But I think many Americans have it. — Natalia Makarova

What I am looking for is a masterpiece. I don't want to waste my time. I am tired of experiments. — Natalia Makarova

A real ballerina must fill her space with her own personality. — Natalia Makarova

I don't keep my secrets or my knowledge to myself. — Natalia Makarova

Many people thought I would never succeed, because I am so Russian. So Russian, hundred percent. — Natalia Makarova

I am different because I have better schooling, better understanding of the line, gesture, how feet working, positions. They taught me modern things ... and I wanted to give what I had: my schooling. — Natalia Makarova

Usually, English personalities are difficult; they don't take criticism easily. — Natalia Makarova

I travel like a gypsy, and I didn't know how I could perform and be a mother. — Natalia Makarova

I prepare myself very intensely. I am at the theatre four hours before the performance. It allows for complete concentration and preparation. — Natalia Makarova

You cannot dance an arabesque in 'Swan Lake' and 'Nutcracker' the same way. — Natalia Makarova

The expression should come from within oneself, conveying the spiritual - something between earth and heaven. And if one runs, one should not seem to touch the ground. — Natalia Makarova

It's not possible to be perfect - you can always do something better. I'm never proud of what I've done. Sometimes, I'm not ashamed. — Natalia Makarova

I think often that God is guiding me. — Natalia Makarova

I want to be free ... free to develop my art. — Natalia Makarova

All ballet, all reading, all music. That was my world, my inner world. — Natalia Makarova

All of the very important events in my life happen by chance. — Natalia Makarova

It's a hard life ... but if I could, I would do it all again. — Natalia Makarova

To look back all the time is boring. Excitement lies in tomorrow. — Natalia Makarova

Being spontaneous, it's what saved me, — Natalia Makarova

Dance involves physicality, it involves spirituality and even brains. — Natalia Makarova