Margot Fonteyn Quotes

Powerful Margot Fonteyn for Daily Growth

About Margot Fonteyn

Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991), renowned as one of the most influential British ballerinas of the 20th century, was born Ramona de Cisneros y Arnaz in Cuba on May 18, 1919. Raised in England from a young age, she found her calling in dance under the tutelage of renowned ballet master, Ninette de Valois. Fonteyn's professional career began in 1935 when she joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet (later renamed the Royal Ballet), where she would rise through the ranks to become Principal Dancer and, eventually, Artistic Director. Her unique blend of grace, power, and emotional depth transformed the world of ballet, and her name became synonymous with the art form. Some of Fonteyn's most iconic performances include 'The Sleeping Beauty,' 'Swan Lake,' and her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev in 'Romeo and Juliet.' Her collaboration with Nureyev, particularly their 1961 performance at the Royal Opera House, marked a turning point in ballet history, bringing a new level of passion and energy to the stage. Fonteyn's influence extended beyond her performances, as she was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She co-founded the National Ballet School with Rudolf Nureyev in 1980. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers. In her later years, Fonteyn was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) and received numerous other accolades for her significant contributions to the world of dance. Margot Fonteyn's life and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring beauty of ballet. Here are some inspiring quotes by Margot Fonteyn: 1. "The dancer who can say 'I have nothing to learn' is a dancer with a closed mind and a dancer whose growth has ceased." 2. "Ballet is like wine. In the beginning it makes you dizzy, then it makes you feel better and then, if you are careful, you can get old and stay pretty." 3. "Technique is not everything. Poetry is the essence of dance."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war."

This quote by Margot Fonteyn emphasizes the importance of preparation and hard work, implying that investing time and effort in training or planning for potential challenges (sweating in peace) will minimize difficulties and reduce losses when faced with actual problems (less you bleed in war). It underscores the value of diligence, perseverance, and the understanding that success often comes from thorough preparation.


"Technique is a means of communicating feeling."

Margot Fonteyn's quote emphasizes that technical skills in dance or any art form are not merely mechanical abilities but a tool for expressing emotion. In other words, the mastery of techniques is essential to convey feelings effectively to the audience. It suggests that the true essence of an artist lies in their ability to transform complex emotions into understandable and moving expressions through their craft.


"To be a dancer is to be a dreamer. To make your dreams come true."

This quote by Margot Fonteyn suggests that being a dancer, much like having dreams in life, involves a state of imaginative and creative mindset. It implies that the act of dancing, for a dancer, is not just about physical movement but also about expressing one's inner dreams and aspirations. The transformation of those dreams into reality through hard work and dedication is the essence of this quote. Essentially, it highlights the role dance plays in bringing dreams to life.


"You have to care about something, care for something, and in ballet that's movement."

Margot Fonteyn's quote emphasizes the importance of passion and care in dance, particularly through movement. It suggests that a dancer should not only be skilled in technique but also invested emotionally and intellectually in their art form. The essence of ballet lies not merely in the physical execution of steps, but in the deeper connection and affection one feels for the dance and its movements. This interpretation encourages dancers to approach their craft with a sense of purpose and devotion, fostering an authentic and meaningful performance.


"It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer."

This quote by Margot Fonteyn emphasizes that while technical skill (athleticism) is essential for dancing, it's the artistic aspect that sets great dancers apart. It implies that being an artist means going beyond just executing moves; it involves the ability to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. In other words, any dancer can move their body, but only an artist can dance with soul and emotion.


Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.

- Margot Fonteyn

Art, Alike, Sort, Mediocrity

Life forms illogical patterns. It is haphazard and full of beauties which I try to catch as they fly by, for who knows whether any of them will ever return?

- Margot Fonteyn

Will, Which, Life Forms, Forms

The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.

- Margot Fonteyn

Work, Over, Learned, I Have Learned

Minor things can become moments of great revelation when encountered for the first time.

- Margot Fonteyn

Moments, First Time, Minor, Encountered

Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.

- Margot Fonteyn

Art, Great, Sort, Mediocrity

Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable.

- Margot Fonteyn

Magic, Genius, Another, Inexplicable

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