Tommy Tune Quotes

Powerful Tommy Tune for Daily Growth

About Tommy Tune

Tommy Tune, born Thomas Michael Tune on February 10, 1939, in Wichita Falls, Texas, is a renowned American dancer, actor, singer, choreographer, and director, who has made significant contributions to the world of Broadway musical theater. Raised in Houston, Tune's passion for dance was ignited at an early age through his love for watching movies. He dropped out of high school to pursue his dreams, eventually landing a role on the TV show 'Ozark Jubilee.' However, it was his move to New York City that marked the beginning of his professional career on Broadway. Tune's breakout role came in 1968 as Riff Raff in 'The Rocky Horror Show,' which led to his first Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He would go on to receive nine more Tonys, making him the second most decorated person in American theatre history. Some of Tune's most notable works include 'Seesaw' (1973), 'My One and Only' (1983), and 'Grand Hotel' (1989). As a director and choreographer, he brought to life iconic productions such as 'Nine' (1982) and 'The Will Rogers Follies' (1991). Throughout his illustrious career, Tune has been known for his versatility, innovation, and show-stopping performances. His quote, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul," encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of art. In 2016, Tune was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama for his significant contributions to American culture. Currently, he continues to inspire new generations of artists and audience members alike with his timeless works on the Broadway stage.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful."

This quote suggests that dancing represents an escape from one's personal boundaries, allowing individuals to express themselves in a larger, more stunning, and powerful way than they might do in their everyday lives. It implies that dance can evoke emotions, creativity, and self-expression, transforming the dancer into something greater and more impactful than their ordinary selves.


"Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free."

This quote by Tommy Tune encourages embracing vulnerability, resilience, and freedom through dance. The act of dancing symbolizes expressing oneself authentically even amidst hardships or emotional turmoil (broken open, torn bandage off, middle of fighting). Dance is a form of release and healing during challenging times. Simultaneously, it represents embodying the strength and liberation that comes from overcoming obstacles (perfectly free). In essence, dance can serve as both a coping mechanism and a celebration of one's journey towards wholeness.


"The stage is not just a place to work, it's a place to dream."

This quote by Tommy Tune emphasizes that the stage serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a space for nurturing dreams and imaginations. It suggests that the act of performing on stage allows individuals to explore, express, and share their creative visions in a way that transcends reality, encouraging dreamers to bring their ideas to life through the medium of theater.


"I think there's a direct connection between dance and love. They both come from the heart."

The quote by Tommy Tune signifies that dancing and love are deeply intertwined, emanating from the same emotional wellspring - the heart. This suggests that just as love requires passion, expression, and connection, so does dance. In both contexts, there's a shared need for authenticity, vulnerability, and the willingness to engage with one another in meaningful ways.


"Theater teaches us to reach for the stars, but dance allows us to touch them."

This quote suggests that theater inspires us to aspire for greatness, to strive towards lofty goals and dreams. However, dance, with its physicality and intimacy, provides a unique and tangible connection to these lofty ideals - it allows us to experience the transcendence and beauty of reaching those stars. In other words, theater inspires, but dance offers a more immediate, tactile realization of that inspiration.


I would just stand there puzzled, then realize this would be a great place to make a show.

- Tommy Tune

Show, Great Place, Then, Puzzled

I like a show to unfold and keep presenting itself, surprising you.

- Tommy Tune

Like, Keep, Itself, Surprising

I've had this reoccurring dream for the last ten to fifteen years.

- Tommy Tune

Dream, Last, Had, Fifteen

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