Karen Kain Quotations

It's a different era. Our job now is to show leadership and vision and to help the next generation of artists.

Friday night is our date night. We really carve out time for each other.

Surround yourself with people who provide you with support and love and remember to give back as much as you can in return.

Treasure the things about you that make you different and unique.

To be able to make decisions and see them come to fruition and feel the excitement around them, what it generates within the company, how the artists get motivated — that's the most rewarding part; feeling I can be a catalyst for an artistic experience for our artists and for the public.

When I grow up I am going to be a ballerina. I will be in Giselle. It will be so much fun being a ballerina.

Dancers, like all performing artists, like nothing better than to be challenged.

The importance of the arts to the societies in which they thrive is well documented.

I know how demanding the process of creation is.

Talent will only take you so far, and it is your ability to feel the music and explore a movement that will bring you the greatest pleasure in dance.

We have a renewed energy and vigor in our supporters and we are no longer so frightened about the future.

In my life, there have always been people who guided my path, towards the school, towards this company. I didn't know about any of it. I didn't have a plan. It's good fortune and generosity from other people that have given me all I have today.

Know that there is so much more to you than your body. It's not just about perfecting the steps; you must trust your instincts to tell deep, emotional stories through the steps that you are performing.

The arts are an integral part of the city's economic progress.

There's nothing like the force and challenge of a new ballet to galvanize everyone involved in bringing it to life.

What's a dancer's worst enemy? Sometimes it's age, but sometimes it's the dancer themselves.

I know there are going to be big challenges financially, but I'm excited artistically. I think that if the experience is better artistically, then we have more hope in the future.

It's a time to reflect and appreciate all the contributions that others have made to my career and my life. My vision is nothing that hasn't been gleaned or understood from watching and working with so many people I admire before me.

You're terrified that nothing will ever give you the fulfillment that dancing has given you.

Canadians are very proud of me, of my career.

In the world of classical ballet there are only a handful of story ballets, so getting a new one is cause for excitement.

Even if I had nothing to do with the Canada Council, I'd be praying for it.

I really felt it was time for a new vision.

I want to leave this company in the best possible shape.

Like everyone else, I want to go on dancing forever, but I know the day is going to come when I will have to be doing something else.

Our marvelous musicians will be ably guided into the magnificent new theatre under David's leadership.

We are delighted the government has made a bold investment in the talent and excellence of Canadian artists,

We are delighted Chris wants to return after exploring other artistic interests and look forward to his artistry and strong stage presence,

When you look at what the Canada Council has fostered, it's extraordinary. I feel a huge sense of responsibility to serve that great organization.

Ormsby has long been recognized as one of the finest ballet conductors anywhere and we wish him every success in New York City. We are thrilled that he has agreed to continue to work with us as guest conductor.

The ballet was a turning point for the company when it premiered in 1972 and I am happy to be able to celebrate this landmark work as we open in our new home.

Having Alexei Ratmansky create a new Romeo and Juliet for The National Ballet of Canada to mark our 60th anniversary is a dream come true. His aesthetic -- steeped in the Russian school but open to contemporary sources -- is ideal for this work and for our company, which, with our classical heritage and our passion for the modern, is perfectly suited to his distinctive dance vision.

I regret that I didn't enjoy it all more. I didn't savour it until the end because I was so hard on myself. Life goes by so quickly. A dancer's career goes by so quickly. You've got to enjoy those moments when you know you've done your best.