Natalia Makarova Quotes

Powerful Natalia Makarova for Daily Growth

About Natalia Makarova

Natalia Makarova, born on February 19, 1940, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, is a legendary ballerina, choreographer, and artistic director whose illustrious career spans over five decades. Nurtured in the prestigious Vaganova School of Ballet, Makarova joined the Kirov Ballet Company (now Mariinsky Ballet) at the tender age of 17. Her exceptional talent was quickly recognized, and she became a principal dancer in 1960, performing iconic roles such as Giselle, Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and Kitri in Don Quixote. In 1970, Makarova defected during a tour of America, joining the New York City Ballet under the leadership of George Balanchine. Her unique artistic vision combined with her technical prowess transformed the dance world, and she quickly became a leading figure in American ballet. Makarova's choreographic works, which include "Romeo and Juliet," "Cinderella," and "The Nutcracker," are renowned for their depth, emotion, and narrative complexity. In 1983, she founded the Natalia Makarova Ballet Company, providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Throughout her career, Makarova has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2000 and induction into the National Museum of Dance's Hall of Fame in 2017. Her autobiography, "Dancing for Myself," provides an intimate glimpse into her life and artistry. Natalia Makarova's enduring influence extends beyond ballet, inspiring generations of dancers and artists with her unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, creativity, and the power of dance as a universal language.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul, of the body."

This quote suggests that dance serves as a powerful and unique means of self-expression, tapping into the deepest feelings, emotions, and individuality residing within an individual's mind and body. Dance, in this context, functions as a medium for communicating thoughts and sensations that are often difficult to express through conventional methods. By allowing movement to serve as the vessel for one's soul, dance transcends the limitations of language and culture, enabling people to connect on a universal level.


"Art is a very deep need in every human being."

The quote by Natalia Makarova emphasizes that artistic expression is an inherent and essential part of being human. It suggests that art, in all its forms, serves as a vital means for individuals to explore, communicate, and connect with their inner selves and the world around them. In essence, art offers a unique avenue for people to satisfy a fundamental human desire to create, understand, and express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas.


"A dancer's body is simply a vehicle for the soul."

In the words of Natalia Makarova, a renowned ballet dancer, she conveys that the physical form of a dancer serves as a conduit or vessel for their inner essence, emotions, and spirit – essentially, the soul. This quote underscores the idea that dance is not merely about technical skill or aesthetics, but an expression of one's unique personality and feelings. Thus, the body of a dancer becomes a living, breathing manifestation of their artistic soul.


"I think that dance is not just an art - it's a way of life."

This quote suggests that dance is more than just a performance or an artistic expression; it embodies a lifestyle. It implies that for a dancer, the discipline, passion, creativity, and emotional connection to movement are not merely limited to the stage, but permeate their daily life as well. Dance becomes an integral part of who they are, shaping their values, behaviors, and overall perspective on life.


"To become a dancer, one must make sacrifices; but the dance is worth it."

This quote emphasizes the idea that pursuing one's passion, in this case, dancing, often requires personal sacrifices. However, the end result, the joy, fulfillment, and enrichment derived from dance, makes those sacrifices worthwhile. It underscores the value of perseverance and dedication towards one's dreams, even when they demand effort and self-denial.


I recently learn a new word: insatiable. That's me.

- Natalia Makarova

Learn, New, New Word, Insatiable

Technical things are getting more mechanical. Take 'Swan Lake,' the Black Swan pas de deux. Now, my goodness, they're turning not just 32 fouettes - but double or triple pirouettes.

- Natalia Makarova

Mechanical, Technical, Triple

Dancers, many dancers today can do so much technically. You can give them steps that are complicated, then more complicated, pyrotechnical - and they can execute these steps to perfection. But to do simple steps with a pure classical line, that is truly difficult.

- Natalia Makarova

Give, More, Dancers, Perfection

I am different because I have better schooling, better understanding of the line, gesture, how feet working, positions. They taught me modern things... and I wanted to give what I had: my schooling.

- Natalia Makarova

Feet, Give, Line, Schooling

Usually, English personalities are difficult; they don't take criticism easily.

- Natalia Makarova

Difficult, English, Take, Personalities

Because my profession is the body, it is a relaxation for me to get out of physicality and concentrate on more mental things.

- Natalia Makarova

More, Relaxation, Profession, Concentrate

You cannot dance an arabesque in 'Swan Lake' and 'Nutcracker' the same way.

- Natalia Makarova

Swan, Same, Cannot, Lake

It's a hard life... but if I could, I would do it all again.

- Natalia Makarova

Again, Could, Would, Hard Life

To look back all the time is boring. Excitement lies in tomorrow.

- Natalia Makarova

Tomorrow, Boring, Back, Excitement

I don't keep my secrets or my knowledge to myself.

- Natalia Makarova

Knowledge, Myself, Keep, Secrets

All ballet, all reading, all music. That was my world, my inner world.

- Natalia Makarova

Music, Reading, World, Inner World

People tell me I'm dancing better than ever. I don't know what happened, but I have new enthusiasm and more endurance.

- Natalia Makarova

Dancing, New, More, Endurance

Even the ears must dance.

- Natalia Makarova

Dance, Must, Even, Ears

I really feel sorry for new generation. It's hard to find backbone. I never had crisis of identity. But I think many Americans have it.

- Natalia Makarova

Generation, Think, New, Backbone

I think often that God is guiding me.

- Natalia Makarova

Me, Think, I Think, Guiding

Many people thought I would never succeed, because I am so Russian. So Russian, hundred percent.

- Natalia Makarova

Thought, Hundred, Many, Russian

It's not possible to be perfect - you can always do something better. I'm never proud of what I've done. Sometimes, I'm not ashamed.

- Natalia Makarova

Proud, Perfect, Always, Ashamed

I travel like a gypsy, and I didn't know how I could perform and be a mother.

- Natalia Makarova

Mother, How, Like, Gypsy

I want to be free... free to develop my art.

- Natalia Makarova

Art, Free, Want, Develop

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