The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
George BalanchineRead
One is born to be a dancer. No teacher can work miracles, nor will years of training make a good dancer of an untalented pupil. One may be able to acquire a certain technical facility, but no one can ever 'acquire an exceptional talent.' I have never prided myself on having an unusually gifted pupil. A Pavlova is no one's pupil but God's.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Natural talent is essential in the pursuit of excellence in dance, beyond mere training.
George Balanchine emphasizes the importance of innate talent in the art of dancing. While technical training can enhance skills, it cannot create true artistry or exceptional talent that is believed to be a divine gift. Balanchine reflects on his experiences as a teacher, acknowledging that the most exceptional dancers possess a unique quality that goes beyond what can be taught, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture in artistic achievement.
Themes
DanceTalentTrainingArtistryExceptional
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech at a dance academy graduation.
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