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.

People tell me I'm dancing better than ever. I don't know what happened, but I have new enthusiasm and more endurance.

Many people thought I would never succeed, because I am so Russian. So Russian, hundred percent.

You cannot dance an arabesque in 'Swan Lake' and 'Nutcracker' the same way.

I am different because I have better schooling, better understanding of the line, gesture, how feet working, positions. They taught me modern things... and I wanted to give what I had: my schooling.

I really feel sorry for new generation. It's hard to find backbone. I never had crisis of identity. But I think many Americans have it.