A common mantra used across a variety of disciplines is “practice makes perfect.” In many contexts, practicing and working hard towards goals is important. Though, in the arts, overworking towards an ideal of “perfect” can actually be harmful. 

When I was in first grade, my teacher warned my mother that my biggest flaw was my perfectionism. I would rip the page out of the coloring book if I drew outside the lines. I would cry if I spelled a word wrong in pen. 

This issue has followed me through my artistic pursuits. I can’t post a dance video if I noticed my leg was bent when I intended for it to be straightened. I restart my monologue if I mess up a word. 

While this is an ongoing battle, acknowledging how harmful my perfectionism was to my artistry was a critical first step. 

I was stunting my growth and productivity. I kept closing doors for myself because I felt I wasn’t in the perfect condition to open them. My work was less authentic, and I never explored deeply enough to feel connected to my performances. I went as far as to stop marketing myself because I believed everything I did was too far from perfect. 

Arguably the worst part of my obsession was not comprehending that art is not intended to be perfect. Most all art forms are subjective and left up to the interpretation of the audience. 

While there are concrete exceptions, like singing a note correctly instead of being flat or sharp, or pointing your feet rather than sickling them in ballet class, generally what an artist produces embodies freedom and expression, not perfection.

If you are a student in the conservatory struggling with perfectionism, identifying how it harms your art is a significant stride in the right direction. Going forward, it’s essential to redefine success in your field. True perfection as an artist is not being afraid to take risks, and being willing to fail. 

In my experience, the first time I let myself move past a mistake I made on stage, I realized the audience valued more how my performance made them feel, rather than what I technically executed.

By not worrying about doing everything correctly, you create more space to actually feel what you are intending to express. Embracing imperfections creates more honest and organic work. Ultimately, art is meant to be felt, not perfected.