Cyd Charisse

Who can copy Garbo?

— Cyd Charisse

I have never been extroverted.

— Cyd Charisse

All I ever wanted to do was dance.

— Cyd Charisse

I was christened Tula Ellice Finklea.

— Cyd Charisse

I was a dancer, not an actress.

— Cyd Charisse

Most dancers are very quiet.

— Cyd Charisse

I get really attached to dogs.

— Cyd Charisse

Oh, I'm insane about shrimp curry!

— Cyd Charisse

I simply hate the sight of a suitcase.

— Cyd Charisse

I never considered going into motion pictures.

— Cyd Charisse

I know there are pros and cons about the studio system.

— Cyd Charisse

It's like comparing apples and oranges; they're both delicious.

— Cyd Charisse

I'm not a luncheon personality so I skip it.

— Cyd Charisse

You can't have bad eating habits without paying for them.

— Cyd Charisse

My husband, my children and my home were the greatest concern to me.

— Cyd Charisse

I dance every day and my legs are in good shape.

— Cyd Charisse

It's impossible to make dancing really effective on TV. The screen is too small, and the cameras can't move fast enough to…

— Cyd Charisse

Tap was against everything I had learned to do. I was pulled up as a ballet dancer, and I wasn't used to…

— Cyd Charisse

There was a technique to making a musical. It took a long time for the studios to learn it, and it was…

— Cyd Charisse

I believe in exercise for everybody: it makes you feel so much better, it keeps your muscles toned and your body supple.

— Cyd Charisse

I was born in Amarillo. And my brother, who was a year older than I, had trouble saying the word 'Sister,' it…

— Cyd Charisse

When I am dancing I go into training. I eat a good strong breakfast. You have so much more energy if you…

— Cyd Charisse

I danced with the Ballet Russe in Paris when I was 16 and did not need a companion.

— Cyd Charisse

A lot of people resented MGM because it could be very paternalistic but for me, the experience was very good.

— Cyd Charisse

I joined the Ballets Russes when I was 14, and my name was changed twice. I was known as Marie Istomina, then…

— Cyd Charisse

I was in a ballet company, and I auditioned for Bob Alton, a top choreographer at MGM. He sent me to see…

— Cyd Charisse

M-G-M knew how to build stars. We used to do constant publicity stills. You were the Easter bunny one time and a…

— Cyd Charisse

If I'm not working, I like to attend a dancing class. At least that keeps you in condition. Then, if you get…

— Cyd Charisse

It really isn't important how you get your exercise, but it does matter that you keep it up. If you let go,…

— Cyd Charisse

Everything has come to me without my having to look for it. I signed with Metro because someone thought I had talent,…

— Cyd Charisse

I spent some time in Paris when I made 'Black Tights.' The working people were great but I didn't like the attitude…

— Cyd Charisse

I never know which camera is on me when I'm dancing and the director picks the shot he likes but it usually…

— Cyd Charisse

I think, however, that Astaire's coordination is better than Kelly's... his sense of rhythm is uncanny. Kelly, on the other hand, is…

— Cyd Charisse

When I'm working on a picture, I get up at 6 o'clock in the morning, report to the sound stage for rehearsals…

— Cyd Charisse

The Roman goddess Diana, you know, is usually shown with a bow and arrow. Every first-year Latin student knows that. I still…

— Cyd Charisse

I'll stay with movies as long as they keep me in Hollywood.

— Cyd Charisse

If you worry about taking risks, don't do it.

— Cyd Charisse

Beverly Hills is just a small community.

— Cyd Charisse

I've always worked very hard. I think dancers always do.

— Cyd Charisse

If I had to give up either acting or dancing, I'd choose to keep dancing.

— Cyd Charisse