Jerome Robbins Quotes

Powerful Jerome Robbins for Daily Growth

About Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins (1918-1998) was an influential American choreographer, dancer, director, and producer whose work revolutionized the worlds of dance and theater. Born in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents, Robbins showed a natural affinity for music and dance from an early age. He attended the DeWitt-Clinton High School, where he formed close friendships with future collaborators Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents. Robbins' professional career began in 1937 when he joined the Ballet Theatre (later American Ballet Theatre). However, his true passion was modern dance, and in 1940, he co-founded the American Dance Theatre with Michael Kidd and Tamara Toumanova. Despite its short lifespan, the company allowed Robbins to create influential works such as "Fancy Free" (1944), a ballet that later evolved into the Broadway musical "On the Town." In 1945, Robbins left the Ballet Theatre and began a prolific career in theater. He directed and choreographed the original productions of "Peter Pan" (1954), "West Side Story" (1957), and "Gypsy" (1959). These works, marked by their emotional depth and social relevance, cemented Robbins' status as a groundbreaking artist. Robbins returned to ballet in 1983 with the New York City Ballet, where he created iconic works such as "Dances at a Gathering" (1969) and "Glass Pieces" (1983). Throughout his career, Robbins was influenced by various art forms, including music, theater, and visual arts. His work, in turn, inspired generations of dancers and artists, making an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or imitation of life; it is a close parenthesis."

The quote suggests that dance transcends ordinary representation of life. Unlike other art forms that may directly imitate or interpret life experiences, dance has a unique ability to create its own world within the performance. This self-contained artistic expression, separate from reality, makes it a particularly powerful and moving form of art, according to Jerome Robbins.


"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time."

This quote suggests that to accomplish significant or extraordinary feats, having a well-structured plan is crucial. However, the true driving force behind success lies in the scarcity of time – working under tight deadlines often stimulates focus, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of goals. Consequently, the pressure of insufficient time can lead to outstanding results that surpass what might have been achieved otherwise.


"You take on a dance and you're its slave. It's like an obsession. You can't let go. The dance has got to be the way to say exactly what you want to say or else it's just wiggling around."

This quote by Jerome Robbins suggests that for a dancer, each dance is a deeply personal and intense endeavor. It's not merely a physical movement but an emotional and artistic expression, almost akin to an obsession or compulsion. The dancer must immerse themselves fully in the dance, allowing it to convey their intended message authentically. If the dance fails to do so, it is simply superficial and lacks meaning.


"Every dancer is different, every choreographer is different, and they have to find a common ground where they can communicate and create something that's mutually satisfying."

This quote by Jerome Robbins emphasizes the uniqueness of both dancers and choreographers, suggesting that each brings their own style and abilities to the table. The challenge lies in finding a shared understanding or "common ground" where they can collaborate effectively. This harmonious partnership results in a dance piece that not only showcases individual talents but also satisfies both parties' creative aspirations. It underscores the importance of communication, empathy, and flexibility when working together to create art.


"You grow up the way a plant grows, if it's not interrupted."

The quote suggests that personal growth, much like the growth of a plant, is an organic and uninterrupted process. It implies that as long as there are no external obstacles or interruptions, one will naturally develop and mature over time, much like a plant grows under optimal conditions. This understanding encourages patience in personal development, emphasizing that with the right environment and freedom from hindrances, growth is inevitable.


There's no secret to working with kids. They either charm you and you can work with them, or they don't charm you and you feel you're stuck with them.

- Jerome Robbins

Work, Feel, Them, Stuck

I told you to sell it, not give it away.

- Jerome Robbins

Give, You, Away, Sell

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