Somehow my YouTube reintroduced me to a childhood favorite movie of mine: Kung Fu Panda. There are so many lines and scenes to love: but the line that hit hardest came from the antagonist Tai Lung. He accused his master of selling him the fantasy that his future was set as the successor of Kung Fu.
“Who filled my head with dreams? Who drove me to train until my bones cracked?! Who denied me my DESTINY?”
-Tai lung, kung fu panda
In my interview with a recent employer, I discussed a similar truth which I believed to be essential to his business, a dance studio. “You’re selling dreams,” I ventured. “No, we’re inspiring young minds.” He countered. He’s not wrong that students come back each week to enjoy, get better, and spend time with a teacher they find worthy. But the fanatics; the true proponents; the ones who dedicate themselves to the art — they believe in a greater life for themselves. This is how ambition develops in an emerging artist.
I spent my teenage and then university years dreaming about dance. I would assert that this obsession originated from training in the company of a talented dance instructor as a child. If I disciplined myself, like her, perhaps I could be like her someday. I even chose my university because I admired one of the dancers at the open house tour.
In other words, central to any successful venture is the ability to align others under one vision. An institution is able to market itself as nurturing excellence, and can back up its results with the output of students, taking claim for an individual’s success. For most of my life, I agreed with this framework. But as I reflect, I find that more and more should be attributed to an inner cadence.
Self-selecting “elite” institutions accept entrants that already have outstanding qualities. Perhaps those same individuals could find success regardless of where they choose to educate themselves. Not to disregard the ardor and love which many instructors channel into their teaching; but after formal education, one’s trajectory is much more self-directed.
The best you can do for yourself is to remain self-aware. Do not fool yourself into thinking that an institution alone can transform you into the mogul of your dreams. Remain frugal with the way you spend your time, and embed reason into your aspirations. Start small so you don’t burn out. Although I am not a full-time dancer, I’ve been able to teach dance a few times a week to satisfy that “itch.”
My biggest takeaway?
“Die with memories, not dreams.”
Don’t succumb to your imagination. Take concrete steps towards a kick-ass life. Film yourself every once in a while. Are you matching the reality you desire?