Misty Copeland performs in Swan Lake.
Misty Copeland went from a child living in poverty in a motel, to a breakout star in the world of ballet. She discovered her extraordinary talent at the late age of 13, and just four years later, escaped her tumultuous childhood to join the elite American Ballet Theatre. Today, she is the only African American soloist with the company and one of very few black women in the highest ranks of classical ballet nationwide. Now she’s calling for change in an art form she says is still stuck in the past. Ballerina Misty Copeland shares the story of her unlikely rise to stardom, and bringing color to the white world of ballet.
Misty Copeland’s mother told her from an early age that, above anything else, the world would see her as a black woman.
But when she was dancing, Copeland never felt that way — until an adult pointed out what, to most everyone else, was obvious: In a company of 80, she was the only African American dancer.
“It took me a while to understand that I was alone,” she said.
A pas de deux class at Cindy Bradley's studio.
Misty Copeland dances with Ashley Ellis during their first week at Lauridsen, "when we were so fascinated by our similarities," Copeland says. "We were like sisters—at ABT, they called her 'the white Misty.'”
Misty Copeland is photographed during her audition for the American Ballet Theatre. In the background, you can see Jared Matthews and Craig Salstein, both of whom are now soloists.
Misty Copeland in "Coppélia," at the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Misty Copeland performs as Gulnare in the American Ballet Theatre production of"Le Corsaire."
Misty Copeland’s solo in 2012’s Gala de Ballet “Despertares” in Mexico City.
Misty Copeland appeared in an Under Armour campaign last year.
Behind The Scenes With Misty Copeland - The Diane Rehm Show
Unlike many of the dancers that now share the stage with her, Misty Copeland didn't grow up in leotards and tutus. In fact, she didn't even own ballet tights when she took her first ballet class, at age 13, in a T-shirt and gym shorts, in the gymnasium of her local boys and girls club.
Excerpted from “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Touchstone” by Misty Copeland. 2014. Reprinted with permission. All Rights Reserved.
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