Nigel Lythgoe Quotes

Powerful Nigel Lythgoe for Daily Growth

About Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe, born on September 15, 1946, in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, is a renowned English dancer, choreographer, producer, and judge best known for his work in television's dance competition genre. Lythgoe began his career as a professional dancer in the 1960s, performing with the London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) and later joining the Australian Ballet. His passion for dance led him to choreograph for various stage productions, including "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita," and "Cats." In 1983, Lythgoe moved to America and established himself as a successful television producer, creating shows such as "Breakfast Time" and "Young Talent Time." However, it was his work on the reality dance competition series "So You Think You Can Dance," which he co-created with Simon Fuller, that brought him international recognition. Lythgoe has been a judge on multiple seasons of "So You Think You Can Dance" in both America and the UK. He is also known for his work as a producer on "American Idol." His philanthropic efforts include co-founding the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which aims to improve and increase access to dance education in the United States. Throughout his career, Lythgoe has been influenced by various artists and choreographers, including Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, and Gene Kelly. He is quoted as saying, "If you can't move people to tears or laughter with your dancing, then it's not worth doing." This philosophy, combined with his dedication to promoting dance, has made Nigel Lythgoe a significant figure in the world of entertainment.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."

This quote suggests that individuals should strive to set positive examples for others to follow, but if one cannot do so, they should at least provide a clear demonstration of what not to do or the consequences of making poor decisions. Essentially, it implies that we all have a responsibility to help guide and educate those around us, and when we fail in this role, we should learn from our mistakes so others may avoid repeating them.


"Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening, and live every day as if it were your last."

This quote encourages individuals to embrace their passion and freedom wholeheartedly. By "dancing like no one is watching," Lythgoe suggests that we should express ourselves freely without fear of judgment or embarrassment, as if we're immersed in our own personal world during the act. "Sing like no one is listening" emphasizes the importance of self-expression and sharing our emotions through music, even if others may not be there to appreciate it, because the act itself provides catharsis and personal growth. Lastly, "live every day as if it were your last" underscores the urgency to seize the moment, make meaningful connections, and live life with purpose and intentionality, as tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Essentially, this quote encourages embracing our individuality, expressing ourselves fearlessly, and making the most out of every day.


"I think one of the most important things in life is that we make the choice to choose happiness."

This quote emphasizes the personal responsibility each individual has towards their own well-being and emotional state. Nigel Lythgoe suggests that happiness is not something that just happens, but rather a conscious decision made by us. It encourages the reader to prioritize finding joy in life, acknowledging that happiness may require active choice amidst various circumstances.


"The secret is to believe in yourself, even when no one else does."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-belief and confidence, even in the face of skepticism or doubt from others. It suggests that having faith in oneself, despite external obstacles or negative opinions, can help one to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. By believing in oneself, individuals can find the resilience, determination, and motivation necessary to persist and succeed, ultimately proving their doubters wrong and validating their own self-worth.


"Success isn't a destination, it's a journey, and I love every step along the way."

This quote by Nigel Lythgoe emphasizes that success is not a final achievement or destination, but rather a continuous process and journey. The joy and fulfillment come from the steps taken throughout this journey, not merely arriving at the end point. In other words, it's about enjoying and learning from each experience along the path to achieving one's goals. This perspective encourages perseverance, adaptability, and gratitude in pursuing success.


We put too much on contemporary dancers. A lot of them cannot change styles; a lot of them can't do anything else other than run around the stage reaching and stretching in anguish to somebody off camera that I never understand who it is. But it's the teenage angst they have to live with.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Run, Other, Dancers, Angst

I've never believed that 'Idol' as a franchise is beholden to any individual because everybody said it would die the minute Simon Cowell left, and it hasn't.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Die, Everybody, Franchise, Beholden

Certain formats should never be forgotten, 'Blind Date' for instance, because 'Britain's Got Talent' is really 'New Faces' or 'The Gong Show,' whilst we're basically 'Opportunity Knocks.'

- Nigel Lythgoe

Blind, New, Date, Whilst

I nearly died with the peritonitis, but not the heart attack. The heart attack was like bad indigestion and two weeks later I was back in shouting at people. I was shouting at people during the heart attack. I had it for three days without realising what it was.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Bad, Like, Weeks, Two Weeks

It takes two to make a relationship, but only one to screw it up.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Only, Up, Takes, Screw

I saw 'The Godfather' in London when it came out in 1972 and loved it. I've seen it probably 20 times - I always find something new.

- Nigel Lythgoe

London, New, Always, Godfather

'The Hobbit' by J. R. R. Tolkien was the first book I enjoyed. I was 14 and when I finished I started it again.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Book, Again, Finished, Tolkien

I think rap in the street when they have rap competitions is thrilling because these kids are making it up and having a go at each other. They've got something to say. This is about getting their frustrations out.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Other, I Think, Thrilling, Competitions

Tap dancers find it very difficult to do anything other than tap if that is all they have been trained in because, again, it's a whole different ballgame that you're constantly working on - bent legs, loose ankles - which you cannot afford to do when you're doing jumps or anything else.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Other, Been, Very, Ankles

So many people report to be contemporary dancers, and they're not. They are sort of jazz dancers that feel like they're throwing a bit of classical in there. I mean, a true contemporary dancer has got ballet as their base and classical ballet, and that is their base. And then they choose to extemporize on that and go into a contemporary world.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Jazz, Dancers, Classical, Report

I think British audiences are accustomed to the 'boo' factor and pantomimes.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Think, I Think, Boo, Factor

'American Idol' became a juggernaut of epic proportions, but to me it was always like home.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Always, Like, Became, Proportions

With dancing, so much is about sexuality and sensuality and without life experience it becomes much more of a performance, rather than a living, breathing entity from the soul.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Dancing, Living, Sexuality, Sensuality

I put the heart attack down to 66 cigarettes a day.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Day, Down, Attack, Cigarettes

Nicki Minaj I think is one of the best judges I've ever worked with.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Think, Ever, Worked, Judges

And what is a stage dad, or a stage mom? It's someone who's protective. That's all.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Stage, Someone, Dad, Protective

Hip-hop is a way of life. It isn't a genre in truth in 'American Idol.'

- Nigel Lythgoe

Truth, Idol, Genre, Hip-Hop

I don't go into my dentist and say, 'Are you gay?' I don't say to contestants on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' 'Are you gay?' What does it got to do with me? What does it got to do with anybody?

- Nigel Lythgoe

Think, Go, Anybody, Dentist

There's no question 'Amazing Race' is a beautifully produced show.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Amazing, Race, No Question, Produced

In my lifetime, I've discovered a great many incredibly talented individuals. Some have achieved stardom. Simultaneously, I've seen many dreams shattered, egos destroyed and lives changed forever. The end destination may well be fame and fortune, but the road to stardom is littered with broken hearts.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Some, Discovered, Shattered, Simultaneously

If you don't know the right people or have the right connections, you may never be discovered. With 'Opening Act,' we are democratizing a notoriously impossible process, pulling back the curtains on a consistently fascinating industry, and affording aspiring artists the chance of a lifetime.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Discovered, Aspiring, Right People

Since we launched the original 'Pop Idol' in England, I've remained close with Simon Fuller. Working as executive producer on 'American idol' for its first seven years not only was an inspirational journey into the heart of American pop culture, it opened my eyes to the untapped potential of the incredibly dynamic young people in this world.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Young, Seven, Idol, Dynamic

I trained in every form of dance - started as a tap dancer when I was a kid, then contemporary, ballet, ballroom, everything. Russian, Swedish.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Swedish, Tap, Trained, Ballroom

Jon Scoffield was an incredible director and producer at ATV. I met him when I was 30 and he made great things happen in my career. He's still alive, but we're no longer in touch.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Career, Alive, Jon, Producer

I don't think rap really fits in to 'American Idol' in the sense that I believe rap is an art form in itself more akin to poetry, more akin to drama, if you will.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Art, Think, Rap, Art Form

This whole thing about, 'Take it easy, you had a heart attack, you might die,' I don't have time to take it easy. I might go at any point now. So, I want to get as much done as I can!

- Nigel Lythgoe

Die, About, Whole, Attack

The dance community suddenly came alive with programs like 'So You Think You Can Dance,' 'America's Best Dance Crew' and 'Dancing With The Stars.'

- Nigel Lythgoe

Dancing, Think, Alive, Programs

Everybody I've ever seen live sings out of tune, even the greatest singers in the world. And of course if you make a single nowadays, they'll autotune it anyway.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Singers, Everybody, Sings, Anyway

Since I've been in the U.S. I've lost the back of my heart, 15 ft. of intestine and my marriage - and God, I miss my intestine.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Heart, Back, Been, Miss

There can always be an 'Idol' without anybody. I believe that Seacrest is probably the best host in the business.

- Nigel Lythgoe

Business, Always, Anybody, Host

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.