Natalia Makarova quotes:

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

A real ballerina must fill her space with her own personality.

Usually, English personalities are difficult; they dont take criticism easily.

I think often that God is guiding me.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Even the ears must dance.

I recently learn a new word: insatiable. That's me.

I want to be free... free to develop my art.

Dance involves physicality, it involves spirituality and even brains.

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

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

I was born to be a ballerina - my physique, my spirit, my feeling for music. What I am can only be expressed in dance. I am an erotic woman and that's what dance is.

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.

It's hard to find backbone.I never had crisis of identity. But I think many Americans have it.

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.

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

Being spontaneous, it's what saved me,