Stephanie Lake: Why This Choreographer Wishes She'd Been Less Obedient

Julia Wagner · 2026-07-19

### The Cost of Being the "Good Girl" Stephanie Lake, a celebrated Australian choreographer, recently opened up about a regret that might surprise you. She wishes she'd had more "naughty experiences" growing up. But before you jump to conclusions, Lake isn't talking about breaking the law or hurting anyone. She's talking about the kind of rebellion that fuels creativity—the willingness to break rules, to explore, to make mistakes. As a dance artist, she now sees how her youthful obedience may have limited her artistic voice. ### Why This Matters for Dance Professionals If you run a dance studio, teach classes, or choreograph, Lake's story is a wake-up call. The dance world thrives on innovation, yet so many of us were trained to follow steps exactly, to please teachers, to be "good." That conditioning can stifle the very creativity we need to stand out. Lake's regret isn't about missing out on wild parties; it's about missing out on the freedom to experiment without fear. ### The Obedience Trap in Dance Training From a young age, dancers are often rewarded for precision and obedience. "Point your toes, straighten your legs, don't question the choreography." While discipline is essential, an overemphasis on compliance can crush a dancer's unique spark. Lake suggests that if she had pushed back more, she might have discovered her signature style sooner. - **Risk-taking**: Trying new movements, even if they look "wrong." - **Improvisation**: Letting go of set steps and seeing what emerges. - **Cross-training**: Exploring other dance forms or even non-dance activities. - **Collaboration**: Working with artists outside your comfort zone. ### How to Encourage "Naughty" Creativity in Your Studio As a studio owner or choreographer, you have the power to foster an environment where dancers feel safe to break the rules—within reason. Here are practical ways to inject that spirit: - **Dedicate time to improvisation**: Start each class with five minutes of free movement. No corrections, just exploration. - **Reward experimentation**: Praise dancers who try something different, even if it doesn't work. - **Share your own failures**: Talk about times you broke the rules and what you learned. - **Host "rule-breaking" workshops**: Invite guest artists who challenge traditional techniques. > "I should have had more naughty experiences," Lake says. "I was so obedient, and now I realize that the best art comes from a place of curiosity, not compliance." ### The Business Case for Creative Freedom In the competitive U.S. dance market, studios that play it safe often blend into the background. Parents and students are drawn to programs that feel fresh and exciting. By encouraging a bit of "naughtiness"—in the artistic sense—you differentiate your studio and attract dancers who want more than just steps. Plus, a culture of experimentation keeps your teaching staff engaged and inspired. ### Balancing Structure and Freedom Of course, you can't run a studio without rules. Safety, technique, and respect are non-negotiable. The key is to find a balance. Lake's regret isn't about abandoning discipline; it's about not letting discipline become a cage. Give your dancers the tools they need, then set them free to play. ### Final Thoughts Stephanie Lake's candid reflection reminds us that obedience has a dark side. For dance educators and choreographers, the lesson is clear: nurture the rebel in every dancer. You might just discover the next groundbreaking artist—or at least a more joyful, engaged community. So go ahead, be a little naughty. Your creativity will thank you.