A Dose of History: Anna Pavlova
"If I can't dance then I'd rather be dead."
Anna Pavlova was a Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and the early 20th century. She was the first ballerina to tour ballet around the world, most renowned for creating the role of The Dying Swan.
Nicole identifies with Pavlova's determination to dance, despite the criticisms and judgements of others. Nicole knows she is talented, but it is the hard work and time she puts into her dancing that she believes makes her work great and separates her from the rest. She cares more about feeling accomplished in herself than others recognising her talents.
"What exactly is success? For me it is to be found not in applause, but in the satisfaction of feeling that one is realizing one's ideal."