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One of the eternal mysteries of ballet is how untalented…

“One of the eternal mysteries of ballet is how untalented choreographers find backers for their work, and then find good dancers to perform in it. Is it irresistible charm? Chutzpah? Pure determination? Blackmail? Or are so many supposedly knowledgeable people just plain blind?” quote by Robert Gottlieb
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“One of the eternal mysteries of ballet is how untalented choreographers find backers for their work, and then find good dancers to perform in it. Is it irresistible charm? Chutzpah? Pure determination? Blackmail? Or are so many supposedly knowledgeable people just plain blind?”

Robert Gottlieb

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote humorously critiques how ballet projects attract funding and talent despite lacking merit, suggesting charm, audacity, or manipulation may be at play.

In simple terms: Ballet projects often succeed despite lacking merit,

Key Takeaway

Charm and audacity can outweigh talent.

Themes

art culture industry influence power

Mood

skeptical ironic

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • producing a ballet
  • securing funding
  • casting dancers
  • marketing shows

Key Concepts

Patronage networking celebrity gatekeeping

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives funding decisions in the arts?
  • How does reputation affect casting?
A Different Perspective

Success may rely on superficial factors rather than artistic quality.

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