"No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business"

Mikhail Baryshnikov's quote, "No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that all of us should have remained in another business", uses profound insight into the legendary Fred Astaire's impact on the world of dance and performing arts. Through this statement, Baryshnikov, himself a popular ballet dancer, succinctly conveys Astaire's exceptional talent and transformative influence on dance.

At its core, the quote expresses a deep sense of wonder and affection for Fred Astaire. It suggests that Astaire's ability and grace were so exceptional that even the most accomplished dancers might feel humbled, as if realizing they could never match his sparkle. Baryshnikov's usage of the phrase "need to have been in another company" suggests that Astaire's capabilities set such a high standard that other dancers might feel as if they could never ever reach that level of excellence, humorously suggesting they think about other professions.

Moreover, the quote acknowledges Astaire's unique position in dance history. Astaire was not simply an extraordinary dancer; he was a leader who redefined what dance might be in American cinema. His design combined relatively effortless movements with elaborate choreography, but it was his beauty and ability to get in touch with audiences that genuinely set him apart. Astaire's work motivated numerous dancers and changed dance into a popular form of home entertainment, particularly through movie.

Baryshnikov's statement also resonates with the typical experience of experiencing achievement. Typically, seeing a master in their craft can evoke both motivation and a sense of insufficiency. This duality is at play in Baryshnikov's quote, as he acknowledges the aspirational yet challenging criteria set by Astaire. In essence, the quote catches the blend of affection, motivation, and humbleness stimulated by encountering an artist as remarkable as Fred Astaire. It reviews the fundamental difficulties in an artist's journey, where moments of insecurity and extensive motivation are intertwined, pushing them towards continuous development and quality.