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Matthew Bourne Quotes

Powerful Matthew Bourne for Daily Growth

About Matthew Bourne

Matthew Bourne (born March 14, 1960) is an acclaimed British choreographer, director, and dancer, renowned for redefining the world of contemporary ballet with his innovative storytelling and groundbreaking productions. Born in London to a family of modest means, Matthew's love for dance began at an early age when he saw the Royal Ballet perform. Inspired, he started taking lessons, eventually joining the company as a dancer in 1983. In 1987, Bourne founded his own dance company, Adventures in Movement (later renamed Matthew Bourne's New Adventures), with the intention of challenging traditional ballet norms and appealing to a wider audience. His breakthrough production, "Swan Lake" (1995), set in the modern world and featuring an all-male swan ensemble, revolutionized the classic ballet by offering a fresh perspective and drawing critical acclaim. Other notable works include "Cinderella" (1997), a gender-bending reinterpretation of the fairy tale set during World War II; "The Car Man" (2000), a passionate retelling of Bizet's Carmen, set in a 1960s seaside town; and "Edward Scissorhands" (2005), an enchanting dance adaptation of Tim Burton's beloved film. Throughout his career, Matthew Bourne has been recognized for his contributions to the world of dance. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1997 and received a Knighthood for services to dance in 2016. His unique style and fearless approach to reimagining classic tales continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary ballet.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is a form of nonverbal communication."

Matthew Bourne's quote emphasizes that dance is not only an artistic expression, but also a means to convey emotions, thoughts, stories, or ideas without using words. It allows individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and languages to connect through shared feelings and experiences. This nonverbal communication transcends traditional forms of expression, making dance a universal language that connects people on a deeper level.

"Dance can take you out of yourself and into another world entirely."

This quote by Matthew Bourne underscores the transformative power of dance as an art form. It suggests that through dance, individuals can escape their immediate realities and immerse themselves in a fantastical realm, freeing them from personal constraints and fostering a sense of freedom and exploration. Dance becomes a means to transcend one's self, finding solace and connection within the universal language of movement.

"I think dance is about the human spirit. It's about the journey that we all go on."

Matthew Bourne's quote emphasizes that dance, beyond its aesthetic or technical aspects, is deeply connected to the essence of humanity – our spirit. This spirit encompasses the emotional experiences, growth, and journeys we all undergo in life. In dance, these personal narratives are translated into movement, allowing us to express, connect, and empathize with one another on a profound level. Dance, therefore, becomes not just an art form but a powerful medium for self-discovery, human connection, and the exploration of our shared humanity.

"For me, dance is always a journey of discovery."

Matthew Bourne's quote "For me, dance is always a journey of discovery" conveys that the art of dance for him is not just about mastering techniques or steps; it's an ongoing exploration, a quest to learn more, grow, and find new depths in both himself and his craft. It suggests that through the process of dancing, he continually uncovers fresh ideas, emotions, and creative potential, making each performance a unique and enriching experience.

"The most important thing in making a ballet is to make it entertaining for the audience."

This quote emphasizes that the primary purpose of creating a ballet, or any performance art, is to provide enjoyment and entertainment for the audience. Matthew Bourne highlights that while technical aspects like choreography, music, and storytelling are crucial, they must be executed in a way that captivates and engages the viewers, ensuring they have a memorable and enjoyable experience. This approach not only makes the art form more accessible but also fosters an appreciation for it among a wider audience.

When it comes down to it, it's giving people a good night out in a basic way and I think my company guarantees that. There's always something new and something to excite us and surprise us, and that's why people come back, I hope.

- Matthew Bourne

Why, Back, I Think, Excite

Astaire never thought of what he was doing as balletic, but Kelly was always trying to dance with women on points. And his choreography is so showy and flashy. He always looks self-satisfied to me.

- Matthew Bourne

Thought, Doing, Always, Choreography

People strangely revere dance. They see it as another world, and dancers are somehow mysterious - just because they don't speak.

- Matthew Bourne

People, Dancers, Another, Strangely

I saw the Nutcracker to be a dummy as I thought of its mouth moving like a nutcracker - and also find them pretty scary as they almost have a life of their own.

- Matthew Bourne

Thought, Pretty, Like, Dummy

I've always been excited by the strangeness of ballet, but I can't bear it when people just come forward and do a turn in the air for no reason.

- Matthew Bourne

Reason, Always, Been, Strangeness

I once went through the dustbin outside David Bowie's house.

- Matthew Bourne

Outside, Through, Once, Bowie

With any project there's one or two things that you really want to do and that's going to crack it.

- Matthew Bourne

Project, Want, Going, Crack

Sometimes you don't know what you've got until you put it in front of an audience - and the enthusiasm for the show from the audience has been just incredible.

- Matthew Bourne

Sometimes, Audience, Been, Front

I would like to have directed Hollywood musicals in the '40s and '50s.

- Matthew Bourne

Hollywood, Directed, Would, Musicals

It's one of my strongest dance pieces - having just done Play Without Words which was veering away from a lot of dance - I thought it would be nice to go back to something with almost the most dance I'd done.

- Matthew Bourne

Thought, Play, Away, Strongest

I'm very conscious that I want the dance audience to respond and respect what I'm doing, so I'm always very true to the music and I honour the music in the way I see it - I don't mess around with the music.

- Matthew Bourne

Audience, Always, Very, Respond

People know that they're going to see something which is entertaining but challenging as well because of the form it's in. It's dance theatre and it requires you to use your imagination - it's not straight forward.

- Matthew Bourne

Going, Entertaining, Which, Requires

It's one of the things that looks good written down, but the reality is that you think about the pieces you're doing and try to bear in mind everyone in the audience.

- Matthew Bourne

Mind, Doing, Think, Written Down

My company is known for being funny as well as moving. You get a bit of everything in these shows. I think people know they're going to have a surprising experience.

- Matthew Bourne

Think, Being Funny, I Think, Moving

A lot of the people who have come to know the company in the last few years will not have seen this piece.

- Matthew Bourne

Will, Come, Last, Company

The reason I'm travelling so much is because of reasons that weren't completely planned. Several of the shows became successful and were invited to go to other places and they've all happened at similar times.

- Matthew Bourne

Reason, Travelling, Became, Invited

I wish I was more adventurous.

- Matthew Bourne

Wish, More, I Wish, Adventurous

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