Darcey Bussell

Looking after myself is something I probably have to be much more conscious of than the average person. ”

I loved gymnastics, and my gymnastics teacher said ballet was essential to help my dance routines in competitions. I only really went because my friends were going as well. It wasn't this kind of hidden love. Then, slowly, my friends stopped going and I thought, 'I like this. I am going to stay.' ”

I hate exercise when it's a regime, but I love a bit of dance, just moving the whole body. ”

I would love more children, but no. I'm very lucky to have had my two. ”

Dancing has always been a passion for me, one that I will probably never be rid of. ”

I love chocolate, but it's bad. ”

For me, in my life, dyslexia has been a little bit of a blessing. It helped me find my strength and directed me towards what I really wanted to do. ”

Being a ballerina can be a very unnatural life, especially after you've had children. ”

I love Australia; it's such an outdoor life. ”

The orthopaedic surgeon said that if ever I had hip or groin pain, I should rest until the pain went. However, resting is not part of a dancer's life - so I just danced through the pain. ”