I have spent my life laboriously doing nothing.
It is not a question of skimming the surface of the art, it must be probed to its depths, for to seize upon superficial things only is to degenerate into mediocrity and obscurity.
In order that our art may arrive at the degree of the sublime which I demand and hope for, it is imperative for dancers to divide their time and studies between the mind and the body, and that both become the object of their application; but, unfortunately, all is given to the latter and nothing to the former. The legs are rarely guided by the brain, and, since intelligence and taste do not reside in the feet, one often goes astray.
When the music and dance create with accord. . . their magic captivates both the heart and the mind.
The defect in wisdom and taste which exists among the majority of dancers is due to the bad education which they generally receive. They apply themselves only to the material side of their art, they learn to jump more or less high, they strive mechanically to execute a number of steps, and like children, who utter a great many words devoid of sense and relation, they execute many phrases of steps devoid of taste and grace.
It is shameful that dancing should renounce the empire it might assert over the mind and only endeavor to please the sight.
A fine picture is but the image of nature; a finished ballet is nature herself.
We only live once, and how would you want to be remembered? I have kids. I have, due to my job, a probably higher responsibility to do good things in my life. But also, since I was a kid, I love doing things out of context, helping friends, being different, being a special kind of man is important for me.
Our educational system basically strives for normal-which is too bad. Sometimes the exceptional is classified as abnormal and pushed aside.
This shed does not contain me.
It takes me time to realize things; I'm a speedy person but a slow thinker.