For me, purity of movement wasn't enough. I needed expression, more intensity, more mind.
Interpretation
Nureyev emphasizes the importance of emotional expression in dance beyond just technical skill.
Rudolf Nureyev's quote illustrates his belief that true artistry in dance requires more than just technical precision or purity of movement. He argues that emotional expression, intensity, and intellectual engagement are vital components that elevate performance, allowing the dancer to connect with the audience on a deeper level. This perspective underscores the significance of conveying feelings and thoughts through movement, making art a profound form of communication.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of creativity in education, one could use this quote to inspire students to express themselves fully.
I don't care if Margot is a Dame of the British Empire or older than myself. For me she represents eternal youth; there is an absolute musical quality in her beautiful body and phrasing. Because we are sincere and gifted, an intense abstract love is born between us every time we dance together.
The main thing is dancing, and before it withers away from my body, I will keep dancing till the last moment, the last drop.
I approach dancing from a different angle than those who begin dancing at 8 or 9. Those who have studied from the beginning never question anything.
What is art? It is not just nature, it is nurtured nature. It is intelligence applied to what physical ability you have.
Technique is what you fall back on when you run out of inspiration.
When I miss class for one day, I know it. When I miss class for two days, my teacher knows it. When I miss class for three days, the audience knows it.
In a mood of faith and hope my work goes on. A ream of fresh paper lies on my desk waiting for the next book. I am a writer and I take up my pen to write.
Whoever wants to know something about me - as an artist which alone is significant - they should look attentively at my pictures and there seek to recognise what I am and what I want.
Poetry is what makes the invisible appear.
I use the computer as a tool. Like chance or the camera or the other tools I've used, it can open my eye to other ways of seeing or of making dances. It's not simply to do a trick.
I did a lot of touring in my youth, and I learnt very quickly that giving is what it's all about. It's about the gift of making an audience feel great and forget their cares, if only for a few hours.
The majority of the people think that noise is not music. I want to accept noise and even errors and glitches. I enjoy them.
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