Les Twins - They are DANCE.🕺
A tale of perseverance...read on.
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“Do it big, do it right, and do it with style.” —Fred Astaire (1899 - 1987)
The last week flew by and still felt laborious. Does that happen to you? Days feel so long that they don’t seem to end, and yet, you don’t know how you went from Monday to Thursday in (what looks like) one day. I also did not feel as accomplished as I usually feel. I mean, I was busy (hell yeah), but did not feel satisfied with my output. Maybe, I’m being harsh on myself.
That was my week. How was yours?
This week, I bring to you, a story. A true story of grit, perseverance, a very long struggle (of many years) and success beyond their own dreams.
In these write-ups about personalities, I try to be concise to fit in a good (readable) length for my post. And in the process of doing so, I may miss some vital information, but I still hope the reader gets a good idea, gets inspired, enjoys the story and feels a positive reaffirmation of his/her own path.
Whatever you are pursuing, trust me, chances are you are in for the long haul. Do NOT give up, before you exert all your energies toward your goals. ⌛
Let’s dive into the post for this week.
The world of dance. ✨
I’ve watched Les Twins over the years and am amazed by their dexterity, fluid movements, and their ability to capture the nuances of every single beat in a song, through their dance performances.
The story of Larry and Laurent Bourgeois, famously known as Les Twins, is a powerful narrative of talent, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
From their early days as street performers in France to becoming global dance sensations, the twins have danced their way to the pinnacle of success.
But behind their incredible talent lies a journey of struggle, rejection, and determination—one that offers lessons for anyone chasing a dream.
As you read their story, take away the core message: greatness isn’t born, it’s earned. And sometimes, the hardest paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Les Twins: From Humble Beginnings to Global Dance Icons 😎
In the world of dance, few names resonate as strongly as Les Twins. Known for their mesmerizing movements and synchronized freestyling, the dynamic duo of Larry and Laurent Bourgeois have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Their story isn’t just about fame and fortune, but about passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As individuals and as a team, they’ve faced hardships, rejections, and setbacks. Yet, through it all, they’ve risen to global prominence, becoming the epitome of success through hard work.
If you're on your own journey to success—whether in dance, art, business, or life—Les Twins’ story is proof that anything is possible with enough dedication.
Early Life: From the Streets to the Stage
Larry and Laurent Bourgeois were born on December 6, 1988, in Sarcelles, France, a working-class neighborhood just outside of Paris. The youngest of nine siblings, the twins grew up in a close-knit family where creativity thrived. Despite the challenges of living in a modest neighborhood, the twins were fueled by a passion for dance from an early age. Without formal dance training, they relied on their instincts, learning to move by watching others in the streets and experimenting with their own unique style.
Though money was tight, the twins’ passion for dance never wavered. The streets became their stage, and for years they danced for free. They would spend hours watching dancers in the streets, mimicking their moves, and then adding their own unique flair. The streets of Paris became their classroom, and in those impromptu performances, they refined the style that would later make them famous.
It was in these spontaneous performances that they developed their signature style—a fusion of hip-hop, breakdancing, and other street dance forms, with a precision and fluidity that was unlike anything people had seen before. But it wasn’t easy. They struggled to make ends meet, often dancing for hours without any guarantees of recognition or income. Still, they persisted, believing in their talents even when no one else did.
The Breakthrough Moment
Like many success stories, Les Twins had their share of setbacks. They auditioned for dance competitions, applied for gigs, and entered battles, often being told they weren’t the right fit. But everything changed in 2008 when they performed at Juste Debout, one of the biggest street dance competitions in the world. Their performance was unlike anything anyone had seen, and the crowd went wild. Though they didn’t win the competition, they had captured the attention of the global dance community. Suddenly, the brothers from Sarcelles were on the radar.
Their big breakthrough came in 2010 when a video of them performing at World of Dance in San Diego went viral. Their mix of freestyle improvisation, complex footwork, and stunning synchronization garnered millions of views on YouTube, catapulting them into global stardom almost overnight. In a world where many artists wait years for recognition, Les Twins became household names within months.
If you haven’t seen the performance that made them famous, you can check it out here. It’s a masterclass in dance, creativity, and pure talent.
Struggles Behind the Spotlight
While their rise to fame may seem meteoric, it wasn’t without its hardships. The twins faced countless rejections early in their careers. They were often told they didn’t fit into the traditional mold of dancers, as their style was too unconventional. They also had to grapple with the financial instability of pursuing a creative career—often dancing for free or performing in street battles with no guarantee of income.
On top of that, being identical twins came with its own set of challenges. Early in their career, they were often seen as a “novelty act,” with people more interested in the fact that they were twins than in their actual skills. It took years for them to establish their identities as serious artists in the dance world. They had to fight to be taken seriously, to prove that they weren’t just a passing trend.
Financial instability was another early struggle. Even after they gained recognition, the financial rewards were not immediate. They continued to perform on the streets for free, hustling to make a living while building their brand. The path to consistent, lucrative gigs was slow and uncertain.
And then, there was the challenge of balancing their careers as a duo. Working so closely with a sibling can be both a blessing and a curse. While their bond as brothers was their strength, it also meant navigating creative differences and managing a joint career. Through it all, they remained committed to one another and to their shared vision.
What kept them going through these struggles was their unwavering belief in their talents. Despite the obstacles, they maintained a relentless work ethic, practicing for hours each day, pushing the boundaries of their creativity, and constantly evolving their style.
From Street Performers to Superstars
Once Les Twins went viral, opportunities began to pour in. They performed on international stages, worked with top-tier choreographers, and even caught the attention of some of the biggest names in entertainment. In 2011, they were handpicked by Beyoncé to perform with her during her Mrs. Carter World Tour. This was a pivotal moment in their careers, as they went from being underground dance stars to mainstream icons. Their collaboration with Beyoncé continued, and they performed alongside her at the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show, one of the most-watched televised events in the world.
Since then, the twins have worked with artists such as Missy Elliott, Meghan Trainor, and Jay-Z. They’ve appeared in major commercials, walked the runway for high-fashion brands like Jean-Paul Gaultier, and starred in dance films. In 2017, they won the first season of World of Dance, cementing their status as the best in the world.
Milestones and Achievements
The list of Les Twins' achievements is long and impressive. Some of their major milestones include:
World of Dance (2017): Winning this prestigious competition solidified their status as the top dance duo globally.
Collaboration with Beyoncé: Their long-standing partnership with Beyoncé, including their performance at the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show, brought them into the global spotlight.
Fashion: The twins have also made a mark in the fashion world, working with designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Balmain, showcasing their versatility and influence beyond dance.
Film and TV: They’ve appeared in films such as Men in Black: International and starred in Netflix’s dance film Battle (2018), showcasing their talents to a wider audience.
Beyond these achievements, Les Twins have inspired countless dancers worldwide. They’ve taught workshops, mentored young dancers, and used their platform to encourage creativity and self-expression.
Lessons from Les Twins’ Journey
The story of Les Twins is more than just a tale of dance. It’s about believing in yourself when no one else does, working relentlessly to perfect your craft, and never giving up in the face of rejection. Their journey from the streets of Paris to the world’s biggest stages is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
For anyone striving to achieve their dreams, their story offers valuable lessons:
👐 Embrace Your Uniqueness: The twins were often told they didn’t fit the mold of traditional dancers. Instead of conforming, they embraced their uniqueness, and it became their biggest strength.
😣 Persevere Through Rejection: Rejection is inevitable on the road to success. The twins were turned away from numerous auditions and competitions before they found their breakthrough. Their persistence is a reminder that failure is just a stepping stone to success.
💪 Work Hard Every Day: Success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of practice, dedication, and sacrifice to reach the top. Before they became viral sensations, the twins spent years honing their craft on the streets. Success didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of countless hours of practice and sacrifice behind the scenes.
🙏 Stay Humble: Even with their global fame, Les Twins have remained grounded, always looking to improve and inspire others. They teach workshops, mentor young dancers, and constantly evolve their style, showing that success is a continuous journey, not a final destination.
🔗 Collaboration is Key: Whether working with each other or with global superstars like Beyoncé, Les Twins understand the power of collaboration. They’ve built a career not only on their talent but on their ability to work with others and adapt to different creative visions.
Whether you’re a dancer, an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone with a dream, the story of Les Twins reminds us all that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work. As they say, “Dance with your heart, and your feet will follow.”
If you're looking for motivation, just watch their legendary performance here, and let their passion fuel your own journey.
The Legacy of Les Twins
Today, Les Twins are more than just dancers—they are cultural icons, inspiring a generation of performers. Their journey from the streets of Sarcelles to the world’s biggest stages is proof that with passion, hard work, and resilience, anything is possible. For those chasing their own dreams, the story of Larry and Laurent Bourgeois serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t about where you start, but how far you’re willing to go.
More power to your dreams. As we wind down this year, start thinking of changes you’ll make to improve yourself. To make progress toward your goals. If you feel your goal(s) are too big or impossible to achieve, break them down into smaller chunks. And celebrate every small progress, every small step, every small victory.
In spirit, I’ll always cheer a good pursuit. And so will your loved ones. 🎉
Thank you for giving me your time. I consider it my privilege, and it is something I don’t take lightly & value very much.
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Stay healthy & Be well.