Acrobat Quote by Agnes de Mille
“But remember that intent is everything. One does not just jump, one lifts into the air, one rises. In the same way the lifted leg of an arabesque becomes a wing, and not a mechanical leverage like a raised trap door. This is the precise difference between dancing and acrobatics. The dancer tries to express something; the acrobat merely pulls, raises, stretches and grinds. The acrobat is lost in a web of muscles the dancer is all but invisible in projected idea.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Dance, Agnes de Mille, 1968
Intent shapes movement; dancers embody ideas, while acrobats focus on physical feats.
In simple terms: Intent matters more than pure technique.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize expression over mere strength.
Themes
dance
art
expression
intent
contrast
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- performing on stage
- teaching dance
- choreographing
- personal practice
Key Concepts
embodiment
physicality
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intention change audience perception?
- Can technique and expression coexist?
A Different Perspective
Acrobatics can be artistic too, blurring the line.
