--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Ballet is a riddle of means and ends." description: "\"Ballet is a riddle of means and ends.\" — Gelsey Kirkland" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png" --- # Ballet is a riddle of means and ends. ![“Ballet is a riddle of means and ends.” quote by Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png) > “Ballet is a riddle of means and ends.” [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Ballet presents a paradox where the means (technique) and ends (artistic expression) are intertwined, creating a complex, puzzling art form. **In simple terms:** Ballet mixes technique and meaning in a puzzling way. Key Takeaway Explore both form and feeling. Themes art performance paradox expression technique Mood inquisitive appreciative Type artistic philosophical When to use this quote - dance training - choreography workshops - performance critique - art education Key Concepts embodiment aesthetic philosophy creative tension Questions to Reflect On - How does technique shape artistic intent? - Can ballet convey ideas beyond movement? A Different Perspective Focusing only on technique can miss deeper meaning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ballet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ballet/) [Dance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dance/) [Riddle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/riddle/) ## Related quotes > [In the final analysis, means and ends must cohere because the end is preexistent in the means, and, ultimately, destructive means cannot bring about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/in-the-final-analysis-means-and-ends-must-cohere-because-the-end-is/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [When we deliberate it is about means and not ends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/when-we-deliberate-it-is-about-means-and-not-ends/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [Means are ends in the making](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/means-are-ends-in-the-making/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [“On the mainland he had always lived in the future, always looking forward to the completion of the project in hand. When he passed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-herley/on-the-mainland-he-had-always-lived-in-the-future-always-looking/) Richard Herley > [A Warrior knows that the ends do not justify the means. Because there are no ends, there are only means...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/a-warrior-knows-that-the-ends-do-not-justify-the-means-because-there/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [In our enthusiasm to dominate nature and to produce more material good - goods - we have transformed means into ends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-fromm/in-our-enthusiasm-to-dominate-nature-and-to-produce-more-material/) [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) > [“In the mass of people, vegetative and animal functions dominate. Their energy of intelligence is so feeble and inconstant that it is constantly overpowered…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dewey/in-the-mass-of-people-vegetative-and-animal-functions-dominate-their/) [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) > [Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/cause-and-effect-means-and-ends-seed-and-fruit-cannot-be-severed-for/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [“There is no distinction between means and ends. There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way. There is no way to enlightenment,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/there-is-no-distinction-between-means-and-ends-there-is-no-way-to/) [Thich Nhat Hanh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/) > [Means and ends are central. If your means are corroded, your ends will be corroded. And if you're fighting to preserve liberty and you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nat-hentoff/means-and-ends-are-central-if-your-means-are-corroded-your-ends-will/) [Nat Hentoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nat-hentoff/) > [I've always been strongly on the side of non-violence. Also, I think that if you use the wrong means, the ends themselves get distorted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aung-san-suu-kyi/i-ve-always-been-strongly-on-the-side-of-non-violence-also-i-think/) [Aung San Suu Kyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aung-san-suu-kyi/) > [Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-taylor-coleridge/greatness-and-goodness-are-not-means-but-ends/) [Samuel Taylor Coleridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-taylor-coleridge/) > [“The means are the end, only peace brings peace, only just acts bring justice...the separation of means and ends was false. For her as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ursula-k-le-guin/the-means-are-the-end-only-peace-brings-peace-only-just-acts-bring/) [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ursula-k-le-guin/) > [the ends never justify the means because IT never ends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martha-gellhorn/the-ends-never-justify-the-means-because-it-never-ends/) [Martha Gellhorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-gellhorn/) > [We need to explore the relationship between means and ends. Purposes grow out of situations. One may find the pursuit first and then this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hawkins/we-need-to-explore-the-relationship-between-means-and-ends-purposes/) [David Hawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hawkins/) ## More by Gelsey Kirkland > [There was a stage when Balanchine and I didn't talk. I was trying to develop my classical technique as opposed to the fast-track technique…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/there-was-a-stage-when-balanchine-and-i-didn-t-talk-i-was-trying-to/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [The nature of my compulsion was such that I danced in my sleep. The entire household was sometimes awakened by loud thumping sounds coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/the-nature-of-my-compulsion-was-such-that-i-danced-in-my-sleep-the/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [... each action taken in this world has its echo in the heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/each-action-taken-in-this-world-has-its-echo-in-the-heart/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [The voices of moral authority in the theatre demanded only punctuality and physical performance. In the light of continuing pressure and stress, the occasional…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/the-voices-of-moral-authority-in-the-theatre-demanded-only/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [Classical virtuosity is more than technique, line, proportion, and balance. It is as if the performer and spectator come together to hold in their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/classical-virtuosity-is-more-than-technique-line-proportion-and/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [In saying my prayers, I discovered the voice of an innermost self, the raw nerve of my identity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/in-saying-my-prayers-i-discovered-the-voice-of-an-innermost-self-the/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [I danced with passion to spite the music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/i-danced-with-passion-to-spite-the-music/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [The dance goes on forever. So shall I. So shall we.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/the-dance-goes-on-forever-so-shall-i-so-shall-we/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [When you are on stage you are having an affair with three thousand people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/when-you-are-on-stage-you-are-having-an-affair-with-three-thousand/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [Fortunately for children, the uncertainties of the present always give way to the enchanted possibilities of the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/fortunately-for-children-the-uncertainties-of-the-present-always-give/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [At this stage of my life I would rather try and have some small impact within a company and suffer through those things than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/at-this-stage-of-my-life-i-would-rather-try-and-have-some-small/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [As soon as you become afraid to make a fool of yourself, you're in trouble. I decided I may as well just see if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/as-soon-as-you-become-afraid-to-make-a-fool-of-yourself-you-re-in/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [The first year with ABT I learned 13 new roles. Most were lengthy ballets, more complicated than I was used to. I have suffered…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/the-first-year-with-abt-i-learned-13-new-roles-most-were-lengthy/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [I embarked on a risky course of plastic surgery and silicone injections, major dental realignments and gruesome medical procedures. I pray that young dancers,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/i-embarked-on-a-risky-course-of-plastic-surgery-and-silicone/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) > [You've got to break through this idea of being light as a ballerina. The heavier you'll feel, the lighter you'll look.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/you-ve-got-to-break-through-this-idea-of-being-light-as-a-ballerina/) [Gelsey Kirkland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) [Explore all 20 Gelsey Kirkland quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/) ## More Ballet quotes > [“Afterwards Isabelle often wondered if the moments themselves were greater or the memory of them. At least the memory did not pass, while the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toni-bentley/afterwards-isabelle-often-wondered-if-the-moments-themselves-were/) [Toni Bentley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toni-bentley/) > [One can be a great artist without being a great technician. There have been many famous ballet stars who did not have the ideal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-bujones/one-can-be-a-great-artist-without-being-a-great-technician-there-have/) Fernando Bujones > [So I'm studying ballet every day and really training so people will see me as a ballet dancer, which no one's seen before.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sutton-foster/so-i-m-studying-ballet-every-day-and-really-training-so-people-will/) [Sutton Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sutton-foster/) > [No matter the style, the farther one goes the more obstacles increase, and the more distant appears the object it is desired to attain.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-georges-noverre/no-matter-the-style-the-farther-one-goes-the-more-obstacles-increase/) [Jean-Georges Noverre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-georges-noverre/) > [What I love most about ballet is being able to express my emotions through dance, and to be able to bring others joy through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michaela-deprince/what-i-love-most-about-ballet-is-being-able-to-express-my-emotions/) [Michaela DePrince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michaela-deprince/) > [It is not a question of who dances but of who or what does not dance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-st-denis/it-is-not-a-question-of-who-dances-but-of-who-or-what-does-not-dance/) [Ruth St. Denis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-st-denis/) > [Ballet is pure and demands that you serve something larger than yourself, whether it be beauty or art, or a combination of both. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-martins/ballet-is-pure-and-demands-that-you-serve-something-larger-than/) Peter Martins > [Even though I am a professional, and I know what the steps are, I don't quite know how I'm going to do them, because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-farrell/even-though-i-am-a-professional-and-i-know-what-the-steps-are-i-don-t/) [Suzanne Farrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-farrell/) > [I'd rather be a guy that can build a house or fix a car than be able to walk like a ballet dancer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/travis-fimmel/i-d-rather-be-a-guy-that-can-build-a-house-or-fix-a-car-than-be-able/) [Travis Fimmel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/travis-fimmel/) > [When I was 16, I moved to Torrance, California to train at a more advanced studio, and by 19, I joined the American Ballet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/misty-copeland/when-i-was-16-i-moved-to-torrance-california-to-train-at-a-more/) [Misty Copeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/misty-copeland/) > [Bob's work gleaned from hoofing, from vaudeville, from ballet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-reinking/bob-s-work-gleaned-from-hoofing-from-vaudeville-from-ballet/) [Ann Reinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-reinking/) > [You can imagine me as a kid growing up in redneck Texas with ballet shoes, tucking the violin under my arm. I had to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-swayze/you-can-imagine-me-as-a-kid-growing-up-in-redneck-texas-with-ballet/) [Patrick Swayze](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-swayze/) > [I only started writing in the latter days of Spandau Ballet. I didnt know I could write because all had our roles within the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-hadley/i-only-started-writing-in-the-latter-days-of-spandau-ballet-i-didnt/) [Tony Hadley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-hadley/) > [All ballet, all reading, all music. That was my world, my inner world,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natalia-makarova/all-ballet-all-reading-all-music-that-was-my-world-my-inner-world/) [Natalia Makarova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natalia-makarova/) > [I can dance. I like hip hop and stuff and jazz movements, but I'm horrible in ballet. I tried.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keke-palmer/i-can-dance-i-like-hip-hop-and-stuff-and-jazz-movements-but-i-m/) [Keke Palmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keke-palmer/) [Browse all 1,227 Ballet quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ballet/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Ballet is a riddle of means and ends.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gelsey Kirkland" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Ballet" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7a/gelsey-kirkland-27575_ballet_ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends-120_1208352.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Ballet is a riddle of means and ends.” — Gelsey Kirkland", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Gelsey Kirkland", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gelsey-kirkland/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Ballet is a riddle of means...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gelsey-kirkland/ballet-is-a-riddle-of-means-and-ends/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```