Written by Jean-Georges Noverre:
There are undoubtedly, a great many things which pantomime can only indicate. But in regard to the passions, there is a degree of expression to which words cannot attain--or rather there are passions for which no words exist. Then, dancing allied with action, triumphs.
A step, a gesture, a movement, and an attitude express what no words can say. The more violent the sentiments it is required to depict, the less able is one to find words to express them. Exclamations, which are the apex to which the language of passions can reach, become insufficient and have to be replaced by gesture.