Margot Fonteyn

The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.

— Margot Fonteyn

What a beautiful step! I shall never be able to do it.

— Margot Fonteyn

Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable.

— Margot Fonteyn

Minor things can become moments of great revelation when encountered for the very first time.

— Margot Fonteyn

Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.

— Margot Fonteyn

I need to have a purpose in life and for that I might sacrifice some of the luxuries that I enjoy; fortunately I am fairly adaptable. I try to be aware, flexible and unbiased in my thinking. If I have learnt anything, it is that life forms no logical patterns. It is haphazard and full of beauties which I try to catch as they fly by, for who knows whether any of them will ever return?

— Margot Fonteyn