How Dance Shapes Life: Lessons in Balance, Resilience, and Growth – by Michael Cornell
The process of dance is the process of life. For me, every movement is intentional, each step a testament to a lifetime of training that has laid the foundation for my success. Dance has taught me to work hard, to focus, and to embrace the importance of detail. It has instilled in me a sense of punctuality, collaboration, and resilience. In many ways, dance is my compass, giving me the focus I need to navigate the rest of my life.
My mother, God bless her soul, had a mild case of OCD—obsessive-compulsive disorder. It was her superpower. Carol Cornell did not compromise on details. I have no doubt she could have run Estée Lauder. She was an incredibly organized woman with impeccable taste, and I was blessed to have her as a role model.Our home was so immaculate it could have doubled as a sterile laboratory, ready for delicate experiments. Her perfectionism shaped me, teaching me discipline and focus that became instrumental in my success as a dancer and person.
One of my earliest memories of her is sitting by her side as she read to me The Little Engine That Could. This timeless story, first popularized in the 1930s, tells of a small blue train engine that overcomes a daunting hill by repeating the mantra, “I think I can, I think I can.” My mother emphasized its message of perseverance and optimism, encouraging me to believe in my own abilities. She insisted I repeat the phrase often, and it became a cornerstone of my confidence, shaping the way I approached challenges in life. Perhaps this little phrase can work for you, too. Try it a few times a day and see how it transforms your mindset. After all, our thoughts shape our destiny.
I thrive in orderliness. Whether it’s a spotless coffee table or a neatly made bed, these small acts of organization bring me peace. Admittedly, I can get a bit obsessive—my students know this well. If they’re not perfectly lined up during center practice, it can trigger my inner perfectionist. But I’ve learned to channel this energy constructively, finding joy in structure rather than letting it overwhelm me.
Even as I watched a documentary about soccer legend David Beckham, I couldn’t help but admire his attention to detail. Though I don’t need my shirts to hang exactly two inches apart like he does, his meticulousness resonates with me. I would argue that if you want to “bend it like Beckham,” you first need to know how to place items into a straight line. It’s not the power of his kick but his millimeter-perfect precision that makes him a champion. Success, whether in dance, soccer, or life often comes down to precision. It’s not just about grand gestures but about mastering the small details.
That said, there’s a fine line between constructive perfectionism and unhealthy obsession. Balance is key. Perfectionism, when tempered, can fuel excellence. But when it spirals out of control, it can harm your mental health. I’ve seen this firsthand in my classes. Recently, a new student had a meltdown halfway through center work. Her frustration broke my heart because I’ve been there myself. So here’s my advice: lower the stakes.
One mistake doesn’t define you. A single correction, a misstep, or even facing the wrong direction doesn’t make you a failure. In fact, class is precisely where mistakes are supposed to happen. Even professional dancers make errors on stage in front of thousands, and guess what? No one loses their job, and the world keeps turning.
When you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it. Instead, note it and move forward. Use that moment as a mental bookmark, something to revisit and refine in your next practice. This approach not only accelerates progress but also fosters resilience.
Ballet is a powerful metaphor for life. It teaches balance—not just physically but emotionally. It challenges you to be neither too rigid nor too lenient, to push yourself without risking injury. It compels you to face your imperfections and grow through them. The rewards? They are profound, extending far beyond the studio.
As we approach 2025, I encourage you to deepen your commitment to dance. Even if time feels scarce or energy feels low, prioritize this practice. Dance has the power to transform your life in countless ways. It will bring you joy, focus, and community. It will move your body, calm your mind, and lower your anxiety. Don’t dwell on what you think you’ll lose by dedicating time to dance—focus on what you’ll gain. The benefits are immeasurable.
So, do you find that your life feels more centered when things are in order? Does your dance training bring structure to other areas of your life? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear about your experiences on this journey of balance and growth.
Practicing what I preach. My recent tango practice with my dance partner Natalia. Notice the precision footwork.