Karen Kain Quotes

Powerful Karen Kain for Daily Growth

About Karen Kain

Karen Kain, OC, O Ont (born February 19, 1946), is a celebrated Canadian ballerina, choreographer, and artistic director, renowned for her profound impact on the world of dance. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Kain began her dance training at the age of seven at Canada's National Ballet School (NBS). Her raw talent was quickly recognized, and she was soon invited to join the American Ballet Theatre's school in New York City. At just 16 years old, Kain made her professional debut with the National Ballet of Canada under the tutelage of renowned choreographer, Founding Artistic Director, and mentor Brian Macdonald. Her exceptional technique, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence quickly established her as one of the company's leading ballerinas. In 1972, Kain joined the Royal Ballet in London, where she danced principal roles under the direction of Rudolf Nureyev and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Throughout her illustrious career, she performed numerous iconic roles, including Giselle, Juliet, Odette/Odile (Swan Lake), Manon, and Myrta (Giselle). Kain retired from the stage in 1986 and returned to Canada, where she served as Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada from 2005 to 2013. In this role, she championed Canadian choreographers and fostered a new generation of dancers. Kain's major works extend beyond dance, including her memoir "Moving Stories" (2009), which offers a unique perspective on her life and career. Throughout her remarkable journey, Karen Kain has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada (1984) and the Order of Ontario (1992). Her lasting impact on dance and the arts continues to inspire generations of dancers and audiences alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is a way to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time."

This quote by Karen Kain suggests that dance offers an individual a unique platform for self-discovery, as well as a means of escape or transcendence from their everyday consciousness. Through the process of dancing, one can explore their emotions, thoughts, and creativity, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. Simultaneously, immersion in dance allows individuals to momentarily disengage from external stressors and worldly concerns, providing a sense of liberation and freedom. In essence, dance serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth, fostering both introspection and escape.


"As a dancer, you have to be aware that every day you might not feel good or look good, but you must still do it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of discipline and resilience in dance, an art form that demands consistent practice regardless of feelings or appearances. It suggests that as a dancer, one must be prepared to push through tough days when they may not feel at their best, understanding that this is part of the journey and crucial for continued growth and improvement. The quote also underscores the idea that dedication to one's craft can lead to personal and artistic breakthroughs even on days when one might question their ability or appearance.


"Everyone has something inside of them that they need to express, and I think dance is one way of doing that."

This quote underscores the belief that everyone harbors unique emotions, creativity, and individuality that yearn for expression. Dance, in this context, serves as a powerful outlet or medium through which individuals can express themselves authentically. It suggests that dance is not merely a form of physical exercise or entertainment but a meaningful means to connect with one's inner self and communicate one's emotions, personality, and experiences to the world.


"The body remembers what the mind forgets."

This quote suggests that physical experiences, memories, or habits can persist within our bodies even when we may have consciously forgotten about them. For instance, a dancer might retain perfect technique for a dance move despite not having practiced it in years. Similarly, emotional trauma can manifest physically, such as tension headaches or stomachaches, long after the original event has been forgotten. This underscores the interconnectedness of mind and body, implying that they are not separate entities but rather a holistic system where one influences the other.


"I've always felt that my role as a dancer was to be as true to myself as possible."

This quote emphasizes Karen Kain's belief in self-expression and authenticity through dance, suggesting that her primary goal is to present herself honestly and genuinely on the stage rather than trying to conform to external expectations or idealized standards. The essence of the statement underscores the importance of individuality, emotional honesty, and personal growth in artistic endeavors like dancing.


In my life, there have always been people who guided my path, towards the school, towards this company. I didn't know about any of it. I didn't have a plan. It's good fortune and generosity from other people that have given me all I have today.

- Karen Kain

My Life, Other, Been, Generosity

The importance of the arts to the societies in which they thrive is well documented.

- Karen Kain

Well, Importance, Which, Documented

In the world of classical ballet there are only a handful of story ballets, so getting a new one is cause for excitement.

- Karen Kain

New, Handful, New One, Ballets

Friday night is our date night. We really carve out time for each other.

- Karen Kain

Date, Other, Friday Night, Friday

The arts are an integral part of the city's economic progress.

- Karen Kain

City, Part, Integral Part, Economic

We have a renewed energy and vigor in our supporters and we are no longer so frightened about the future.

- Karen Kain

Future, Longer, Renewed, Supporters

Know that there is so much more to you than your body. It's not just about perfecting the steps; you must trust your instincts to tell deep, emotional stories through the steps that you are performing.

- Karen Kain

Trust, Deep, Through, Perfecting

I know there are going to be big challenges financially, but I'm excited artistically. I think that if the experience is better artistically, then we have more hope in the future.

- Karen Kain

Think, Big, I Think, Financially

It's a time to reflect and appreciate all the contributions that others have made to my career and my life. My vision is nothing that hasn't been gleaned or understood from watching and working with so many people I admire before me.

- Karen Kain

My Life, Career, Been, Understood

When I grow up I am going to be a ballerina. I will be in Giselle. It will be so much fun being a ballerina.

- Karen Kain

Grow, Going, Ballerina, So Much Fun

Canadians are very proud of me, of my career.

- Karen Kain

Proud, Career, Very, Canadians

Surround yourself with people who provide you with support and love and remember to give back as much as you can in return.

- Karen Kain

Love, Give, Back, Surround

To be able to make decisions and see them come to fruition and feel the excitement around them, what it generates within the company, how the artists get motivated - that's the most rewarding part; feeling I can be a catalyst for an artistic experience for our artists and for the public.

- Karen Kain

Feel, Rewarding, Part, Excitement

I know how demanding the process of creation is.

- Karen Kain

Process, Know, How, Creation

Even if I had nothing to do with the Canada Council, I'd be praying for it.

- Karen Kain

Canada, Council, Even, Praying

You're terrified that nothing will ever give you the fulfillment that dancing has given you.

- Karen Kain

Dancing, Give, Ever, Fulfillment

It's a different era. Our job now is to show leadership and vision and to help the next generation of artists.

- Karen Kain

Generation, Next, Show, Era

There's nothing like the force and challenge of a new ballet to galvanize everyone involved in bringing it to life.

- Karen Kain

New, Involved, Bringing, Ballet

Talent will only take you so far, and it is your ability to feel the music and explore a movement that will bring you the greatest pleasure in dance.

- Karen Kain

Explore, Greatest Pleasure, Dance

Dancers, like all performing artists, like nothing better than to be challenged.

- Karen Kain

Better, Dancers, Like, Challenged

Treasure the things about you that make you different and unique.

- Karen Kain

Unique, Things, About, Treasure

Like everyone else, I want to go on dancing forever, but I know the day is going to come when I will have to be doing something else.

- Karen Kain

Dancing, Doing, Like, Everyone Else

What's a dancer's worst enemy? Sometimes it's age, but sometimes it's the dancer themselves.

- Karen Kain

Sometimes, Themselves, Worst, Dancer

I want to leave this company in the best possible shape.

- Karen Kain

Company, Want, Leave, Shape

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