Mikhail Baryshnikov

“Nobody else in the world has a form like the Native American musical, and Americans should be very proud.”

“Dancing is my obsession. My life.”

“The body cannot lie. You cannot be somebody else onstage, no matter how good of an actor or dancer or singer you are. When you open your arms, move your finger, the audience knows who you are, you know.”

“I am a performer. I go on stage and make a fool of myself.”

“I would like to go and dance in Palestine one day, with great pleasure, great pleasure.”

“I feel very uneasy with a lot of aspects of the Russian life and the Russian people.”

“I don't want to do anything Freudian.”

“Film, theater and television always kind of scared me. I don't ever seriously think of myself as an actor at all, and I don't plan any film career or television career.”

“I like to go to anybody else's birthday, and if I'm invited I'm a good guest. But I never celebrate my birthdays. I really don't care.”

“You see, dancers are quite mature people because they start performing so early. They become professionals when they start to take everyday classes.”

“A country like Belgium, or socialist countries in central Europe spend more money on art education than the United States, which is a really puzzling thought.”

“I cannot stand authority.”

“I really reject that kind of comparison that says, Oh, he is the best. This is the second best. There is no such thing.”

“People of art should never get married and have children, because it's a selfish experience.”

“I was always interested in photography and other forms of art.”

“You cannot be happy with your family while being personally unhappy with your work. It's a Catch-22 kind of thing.”

“I'm an impatient person in many respects. I like to put myself in uncomfortable situations. It forces me to deliver.”

“I'm a product of Russian culture, but I never felt it was my country.”

“I get speeding ticket like everybody else. If the restaurant is full I'm waiting in line like everybody else.”

“Dancers are made, not born.”