" Manon’ still feels like it didn’t really happen, because it is such a mammoth ballet and I can’t believe I did that. "
- Francesca Hayward

Francesca Hayward expresses her amazement at completing a significant ballet performance titled "Manon." The phrase indicates that despite the passage of time, she still finds it hard to grasp the enormity of what she accomplished. This reaction stems from the overwhelming scale and difficulty of the production.

On a deeper level, Hayward's statement reflects the common human experience of being in awe of one’s own achievements. Often, when we engage in ambitious or challenging projects that push our limits, there is a lingering disbelief even after successful completion. Her words resonate with anyone who has faced daunting tasks and felt overwhelmed by their scope and complexity. This quote encapsulates the paradoxical feeling of both pride in achievement and wonder at the scale of what was accomplished.

Francesca Hayward, born in Cape Town, South Africa, is a principal dancer for The Royal Ballet in London. She trained with the Royal Ballet School before joining the company as an artist in 2014. Known for her versatility and expressive dancing style, she has been part of numerous renowned ballet productions throughout her career.