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Natalia Makarova

41quotes

Natalia Makarova


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Full Name and Common Aliases

Natalia Makarova is a Russian-American ballet dancer, teacher, and author, known professionally as Natasha Makarova.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on November 21, 1940, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia; still active in her career today.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Russian-American; Dancer, Teacher, Author

Early Life and Background


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Natalia Makarova was born into a family of modest means in the midst of World War II. Her early life was marked by hardship and loss: she lost both parents at a young age, which led her to be raised by relatives in Moscow. Despite these challenges, Makarova demonstrated an innate talent for dance from a young age.

She began her formal training at the Leningrad Choreographic School (now the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet) and went on to graduate in 1959. Her professional debut came two years later with the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky Ballet), where she quickly gained recognition for her technical prowess and artistic expression.

Major Accomplishments


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Makarova's impressive career spans over five decades, during which she has danced leading roles in some of the most iconic ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle, and Romeo and Juliet. Her international breakthrough came with the Kirov Ballet's 1961 tour to the United States, where she dazzled audiences with her performance as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake.

Her subsequent defection from the Soviet Union to the West in 1970 was a highly publicized event that drew attention not only to Makarova but also to the restrictive ballet policies of the Soviet government. This bold move allowed her to pursue an international dance career and eventually settle in the United States, where she became a naturalized citizen.

Notable Works or Actions


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Makarova's impact on the world of ballet extends beyond her performances as a dancer. She has choreographed several productions and written two autobiographies: "Dancing on My Grave" (1989) and "Reflections: The Autobiography of Natalia Makarova" (1999).

As an educator, she has taught at leading dance schools in the United States and Europe, including the School of American Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to ballet training, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression alongside technical proficiency.

Impact and Legacy


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Makarova's legacy is multifaceted: she has inspired generations of dancers with her artistry and perseverance; paved the way for other defectors from the Soviet Union; and raised awareness about the restrictive nature of state-sponsored arts institutions. Her contributions to ballet have been recognized through numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Makarova's impact extends beyond her impressive dance career: she has become a cultural icon, symbolizing artistic freedom and resilience in the face of adversity. Her quotes often convey the importance of passion, discipline, and creativity in achieving success, making her a widely quoted figure among dancers, artists, and anyone striving to pursue their dreams.

Her legacy serves as a reminder that artistry is not limited by borders or politics; it transcends all barriers, connecting people across cultures and generations. As such, Natalia Makarova's words continue to inspire audiences worldwide, offering insights into the world of dance and beyond.

Quotes by Natalia Makarova

Usually, English personalities are difficult; they don't take criticism easily.
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Usually, English personalities are difficult; they don't take criticism easily.
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All ballet, all reading, all music. That was my world, my inner world.
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All ballet, all reading, all music. That was my world, my inner world.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I don’t keep my secrets or my knowledge to myself.
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I don’t keep my secrets or my knowledge to myself.
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People tell me I’m dancing better than ever. I don’t know what happened, but I have new enthusiasm and more endurance.
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People tell me I’m dancing better than ever. I don’t know what happened, but I have new enthusiasm and more endurance.
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I travel like a gypsy, and I didn’t know how I could perform and be a mother.
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I travel like a gypsy, and I didn’t know how I could perform and be a mother.
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I was born to be a ballerina – my physique, my spirit, my feeling for music. What I am can only be expressed in dance. I am an erotic woman and that’s what dance is.
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I was born to be a ballerina – my physique, my spirit, my feeling for music. What I am can only be expressed in dance. I am an erotic woman and that’s what dance is.
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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.
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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.
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The expression should come from within oneself, conveying the spiritual – something between earth and heaven. And if one runs, one should not seem to touch the ground.
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The expression should come from within oneself, conveying the spiritual – something between earth and heaven. And if one runs, one should not seem to touch the ground.
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