top of page

Imperfection: Embracing the progress.

Writer's picture: Kiari KirkKiari Kirk

As dancers, we all want to hit every move just right, to look flawless in every routine. But what if I told you that striving for perfection is actually holding you back? Whether you’re just starting out or have been dancing for years, the pressure to be perfect can stop you from progressing. It leads to procrastination, stress, and feeling like you’ll never measure up. I’ve been there.


For me, one of the ways I avoided the pressure was through marijuana. It helped me relax and escape, but over time, I realized I wasn’t just relaxing—I was hiding from the imperfections I didn’t want to face. It put me in a state of stagnation, keeping me from addressing my real issues, both in life and in my dancing.


The problem with chasing perfection is that it creates this constant loop of overthinking. You wait until you’re “ready” to start something, but the truth is, you’ll never feel fully ready. And in the meantime, nothing happens. This applies to dance just as much as life. You might hesitate to take a class or try a new style because you don’t think you’re good enough yet. But the pursuit of perfection can keep you from even getting started.


Think about how this shows up in your dance journey.


Are you avoiding classes because you’re afraid of making mistakes?


Are you holding yourself to impossible standards?


Imagine how freeing it would feel to let go of that pressure and simply focus on growth, one step at a time.


This is where the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi comes in.

Wabi Sabi teaches us to accept and embrace imperfection.

The key concepts of Wabi Sabi

  1. Acceptance

  2. Progress

  3. Gratitude

  4. Embrace

  5. Contentment


Here’s how they apply:

• Uketamo (Acceptance): This means “I humbly accept to the core.” It’s about accepting things as they are, without resistance.

For us dancers, this means accepting where we are in our journey—whether we’re just starting out or hitting a rough patch. You’re not perfect, and that’s okay. Accepting that will free you to grow.


• Daily practice: The next time you make a mistake in class or struggle with a move, instead of getting frustrated, say “Uketamo” to yourself. Accept it as part of the process.


• Progress: Perfection is an illusion, but progress is always possible. In dance, every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be, even if it’s not flawless. Progress is about showing up and putting in the work, not about nailing every move on the first try.


• Daily practice: After every class, reflect on one thing you improved on, no matter how small. Progress is about those tiny wins that lead to bigger changes.


• Gratitude (Kintsugi): Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, making the imperfections a highlight rather than something to hide. In your dance journey, this means being grateful for the moments you struggle, the “mistakes” that shape you into a better dancer.


• Daily practice: Be grateful for the classes where you don’t get it all right—those are the ones that push you forward. Your “mistakes” are part of the gold that will eventually shine through in your performance.


• Embrace: Fully engage with the present moment. When you’re in class, focus on the here and now instead of worrying about what you should have done better.


• Daily practice: Before every class, take a deep breath and commit to being present. Let go of the need for perfection and embrace where you are today.


• Contentment: This is about finding peace in the present moment, knowing that you are enough as you are, even as you strive for growth.


• Daily practice: At the end of the day, remind yourself that you are enough, right now. You don’t have to be the best in the room—you just have to keep showing up.


By applying Wabi Sabi to your dance journey, you’ll find more freedom and joy in your movement. Instead of feeling weighed down by perfectionism, you’ll be empowered to focus on your growth, learning, and personal style. Imagine how it will feel to step into class without the pressure of being flawless, knowing that every mistake is part of your evolution as a dancer.


I’ve seen incredible transformations in dancers over my 15 years of teaching—especially those who begin to embrace the journey of progress over perfection. It’s not about nailing every step perfectly from the start; it’s about showing up, making mistakes, and growing through the process.


That’s the philosophy behind The Dancer’s Blueprint, a new community I’ve created where dancers come together to focus on growth, not perfection. If you’re ready to take that journey, I’d love to invite you to join us in the skool community (The Dancer's Blueprint).


I learned these valuable lessons from an article I recently came across that discussed the philosophy of Wabi Sabi. It opened my eyes to how I can embrace imperfection not just in life, but in dance. If you want to learn more about this philosophy and how it can help you, check out the full article here [Wabi Sabi Article].


Take a moment today to reflect on where perfectionism might be holding you back, whether in dance or in life. How can you start practicing “Uketamo” in your own journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts—reply to this email and let’s start the conversation.


Together, we can embrace imperfection and grow into our best selves, one step at a time.


Get it.

Kiki ❤️



9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


KEEP IT KIKI

Subscribe Form

Thanks for submitting!

©2020 by Keep it Kiki. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page