The Modern Paradox: What I Learned From Polunin

Source: Dancer Documentary

Creatives often have many talents, interests and completely opposing yet unifying aesthetics, philosophies, and lifestyles. Recently I’ve been inspired by the world renowned dancer Sergei Polunin. Knighted as the James Dean of Ballet, he has reached supernova fame and retired all before turning 30.

He speaks candidly about his internal struggle between his love for his art form and the challenges he has had to face at such a young age to reach this level of fame. His tattoos go against the status quo of the ballet world, his candid personality, and difficult life circumstances were more than what any of us could imagine.

Though I usually try to focus on women that inspire me, I couldn’t ignore how I aligned with his struggle between the modest world of the classical ballet life, and his own personality.

Largely women internationally struggle with ideas of modesty and the commercialized image of women. Whatever the reason, be it religious, ethics, tradition, or personal preference, we as women struggle between the modesty of etiquette and the rebellion that lies within us. Even if our personal lives were easy, now more than ever, there is a universal feeling of unrest within the feminine collective. We can feel each other’s need for unity. Not just as within the feminine community, but across all of humanity.

I see this paradox within myself, and often find myself at odds with the badass and modest woman within me. Which is more proper? Which of these will get me the job I want? How will this effect the personal tendencies of the person across the table from me?

Though I’ve tried to choose my pixie cut over my long locks, I find that I need both.

If you look closely, paradox is actually how the world operates. To find an absolute truth is to only find a half truth. Like Sergei, he chose to leave a restrictive environment to embrace and cultivate his own paradox. How many of us can be brave enough to revise the status quo, even if just for ourselves. Personally, choosing to embrace this paradox has not been easy. Everywhere the rules say to forsake one thing for another, to amputate a part of yourself that is deemed ‘unsavory’. Usually words spoken by those who have chosen to abandon a part of themselves, wanting others to do the same. Will you listen to the amputee and cultivate complacency, or unify your experience creatively?

How will you embrace your paradox?

From a Master Stylist,

xoxo

C

To watch Sergei’s story here’s a link to his documentary.

Sources: ‘Dancer’ Sergei Polunin Documentary

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