Embracing Individuality: The True Path to Greatness in Dance – by Michael Cornell
This post is not meant for the general student. These ideas are targeted at the super-passionate dancer in any form. Today, I want to talk about the mindset needed to achieve greatness.
How do I define greatness? Is it being the best dancer in your community? The most popular instructor? The dancer who performs the most pirouettes or has the highest extension?
No.
None of those things matter. True greatness in dance—and in any other field—is about innovating the form. It’s about contributing to the evolution of the art.
The legendary figures of dance had the vision, determination, and intelligence to take the medium in new directions. Here are some of my favorite trailblazers who left a lasting impact on the art:
Martha Graham
George Balanchine
Alonzo King
Pulpo
Yvonne Rainer
Baryshnikov
Each of these individuals made a tremendous impact through their unique voices and individuality.
How do innovators like these emerge? I believe it requires a dual approach. You need to be single-minded yet open. Greatness comes from having a vision and the determination to not follow the crowd. It’s about setting your own standards. Those who move the art form forward are often innovative thinkers who are initially misunderstood or even mocked. As an artist, if you lack an internal compass and belief in your vision, you risk being discouraged to the point of quitting.
True innovators have such a strong vision that quitting is never an option. They understand they are on a mission. Perhaps they value the process of discovery more than the pursuit of perfection. This point is crucial: those who innovate often have a strong vision, but they are also the most willing to explore, take risks, and make mistakes.
Here’s my advice: aiming for greatness is a ridiculous goal. Instead, aim for satisfaction. Aim for the best journey you can have. Don’t worry about fitting in, being perfect, or copying others. It’s better to enjoy being yourself than to be miserable trying to become what you think others want. In the end, your individuality may be your true path to greatness.