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.

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.

A pas de deux is a dialogue of love. How can there be conversation if one partner is dumb?

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'd rather do a great play than a mediocre play in New York. As much as I'd like to be seen in New York, that's not my driving motivation. My motivation is to play great roles, wherever they happen.

My entire childhood was steeped in poverty. For me, poverty, in a way, was the first inspiration of my life, a commitment to do something for the poor.

I'm all about leaving a legacy behind and trying to cement myself as one of the greats. I don't just want to be remembered as the guy who beat Michael Phelps at the 2012 London Olympics - a one-hit wonder - I want to be an inspiration to the kids.

Believe in individual initiatives, in courage, in risk.