Stephanie Lake's Cautionary Tale on Embracing Risk in Creativity
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The Obedient Dance Maker: A Cautionary Tale for Creatives
Stephanie Lake’s latest dance work, VISTA, showcases her ability to reinvent herself in the world of contemporary dance. As a choreographer who has worked with top Australian companies and created internationally recognized music videos, Lake’s decision to strip back her creative process is notable.
In an interview, Lake candidly discussed her biggest regret: not being more “naughty” when she was younger. Her words resonate because they echo the societal pressure creatives often face – the expectation to conform and avoid taking risks. This culture of obedience can stifle innovation and creativity, leading artists like Lake to wonder what could have been if only they had taken more chances in their youth.
Lake’s decision to pursue dance at 19 shows that she had a willingness to challenge herself – a quality essential for artists pushing boundaries. Her regret highlights the tension between creativity and convention. While social media often celebrates artistic success, it’s easy to forget the imperfect journey many creatives undertake.
As Lake notes, being a choreographer is not about waiting for inspiration; it’s about putting in the work and pushing through doubt. She also reminds us of the importance of embracing failure as a necessary step towards success. Her statement that she “fail[s] better” resonates with Margaret Atwood’s philosophy on writing – an approach applicable to any creative field.
By acknowledging mistakes are part of the process, artists can avoid perfectionism and focus on growth and improvement. As VISTA hits the stage this month, audiences will experience Lake’s stripped-back aesthetic firsthand. Beyond the dance itself, Lake’s story serves as a reminder that creativity is not just about producing great work; it’s also about living a life that allows for experimentation, risk-taking, and self-discovery.
Lake’s cautionary tale about taking risks and embracing imperfection serves as a call to action for creatives everywhere. By embracing our own “naughtiness,” we can create spaces for innovation and growth – not just in our art, but also in ourselves.
Reader Views
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While Stephanie Lake's cautionary tale about embracing risk in creativity is timely and thought-provoking, I'd argue that her regret over being too obedient is also a reflection of the privilege she holds as a successful choreographer. For those without the same level of industry backing, taking creative risks can be a luxury they simply cannot afford. We must consider how to make room for innovation within established systems and institutions, rather than solely focusing on individual courage.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
Stephanie Lake's decision to strip back her creative process in VISTA is not just a reflection of her own personal growth, but also a commentary on the industry's willingness to reward conformity over innovation. While embracing failure as a necessary step towards success is crucial for creatives, it's equally important to acknowledge that this approach can be a luxury few artists truly have. The pressures of commercial viability and audience expectations often force dancers to produce polished work, stifling experimentation and pushing risk-takers like Lake to the fringes of the industry.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The paradox of creativity is that risk-taking and failure are essential components of innovation, yet society often rewards conformity over boldness. Stephanie Lake's candor about her regret not taking more creative risks in her youth highlights a broader issue: we're socialized to prioritize stability over experimentation. What's left unsaid is how this tension affects the emotional toll on creatives who feel pressure to constantly produce and conform. As Lake's work shows, embracing risk is crucial – but so too is fostering an environment that allows artists to take calculated risks without fear of judgment or financial repercussions.