Quotes from Cyd Charisse

The music changed. We had Irving Berlin and Gershwin and Lerner and Loewe and Cole Porter. Great music. Now we have 'Rent.'

Most men, even egotistic actors, always shy away from dancing with me. Other dancers report the same trouble. They probably figure that I would be mentally comparing them with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. So I go to parties and usually just sit - unless George Burns is there - and then I have a ball.

Everything has come to me without my having to look for it. I signed with Metro because someone thought I had talent, and it was the same thing with the ballet.

M-G-M knew how to build stars. We used to do constant publicity stills. You were the Easter bunny one time and a Christmas tree the next. When I went to Japan, they knew who I was. Now you have a great actress and a year later, they ask, 'What happened to her?'

When I am dancing I go into training. I eat a good strong breakfast. You have so much more energy if you start your day well fortified.

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

I suppose I'm considered a little old fashioned, but I still believe the most flattering skirt length is just skimming the middle of the knee.

When I dance, people are watching for a slight mistake. I don't want them to see any.

Most dancers have a young body. This is part discipline and part desire, because just sitting around makes one feel sluggish.

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

Once you have your appetite well under control, start to acquire your dream figure with exercise.

You know, I don't think anyone ever knew anyone like Marilyn, really. I've never known another girl like Marilyn Monroe.

I joined the Ballets Russes when I was 14, and my name was changed twice. I was known as Marie Istomina, then as Felia Siderova. When I went to Hollywood and made my first movie, 'Mission to Moscow,' in 1943, I became Lily Norwood.

I never considered going into motion pictures.

If I'm not working, I like to attend a dancing class. At least that keeps you in condition. Then, if you get a call for a dancing part, you don't have to go through two weeks of misery getting back in shape.

I had no delusions about myself. I couldn't act - I had never acted. So how could I be a movie star?

Unless you have the right legs, these mini-skirts are ungainly and uncomfortable. They're just a fad.

I'm a dancer and when I walk off stage there isn't a dry spot on me. This means my hair has to be put up again between shows. I have to make up and dress all over again.

I never know which camera is on me when I'm dancing and the director picks the shot he likes but it usually isn't the best shot for showing the steps I want the audience to see.

I think that in all my dancing I play a role,' she told The Times that year. 'To me, that's what dancing is about. It's not just steps.

Have you ever noticed how a cat stretches after a nap? We can learn from watching animals.

I always thought those old drab clothes from 'Silk Stockings' were the worst things I wore.

Oh, I'm insane about shrimp curry!

Claude Rains is my favorite actor. He's so utterly polished and competent, no matter what he does.