I had always seen myself as a star; I wanted to be a galaxy.

If I didn't believe in myself as a dancer, I wouldn't choreograph.

I have not wanted to intimidate audiences. I have not wanted my dancing to be an elitist form. That doesn't mean I haven't wanted it to be excellent.

My mother was the first woman in the county in Indiana where we were born, in Jay County, to have a college degree. She was educated as a pianist and she wanted to concertize, but when the war came she was married, had a family, so she started teaching.

I have the wherewithal to challenge myself for my entire life. That's a great gift.

My father always said, 'I don't care if you're a ditch digger, as long as you're the best ditch digger in the world.'