Misty Copeland

I first learned of Misty Copeland in high school. I danced at Rosalie and Alva's School of Ballet and a particular friend of mine danced at San Pedro Dance Center. My friend informed me of a young girl named Misty whom she danced with and who apparently attended San Pedro High School along with us. Although, I didn't know Misty, because I had learned of who she was, I began to take notice of the praise she received from news articles.

Photo: Steve Vaccarielo

Copeland joined the American Ballet Theater at the age of 18. She began dancing at the age of 13. She was considered a prodigy and soon became an award winning dancer.

A new TV series,  “A Day in the Life” recently featured Misty Copeland. Copeland is currently the only Black soloist at ABT and was for eleven years the only Black woman in the company. In the episode Copeland discusses how Black dancers are often encouraged  to choose modern or contemporary dance rather than classical as they are more likely to be accepted in that arena of dance.

Also, in the episode Copeland visits a Boys and Girls Club to spend time with a class of Black ballet students. Copeland talks about how she hopes to be a role model to young kids of color.



In 2009, Copeland was invited to film a music video with Prince, for his "Crimson and Clover" cover from his 2009 album Lotusflower. Prince also invited Copeland to perform with him on some dates dur­ing his
Wel­come 2 Amer­ica tour.

It is evident that Prince has an admiration for the craft that is ballet. Earlier this year Prince donated $250,000 to ABT.


Prince and Misty Copeland on Lopez Tonight

And who can forget when Prince allowed the Joffrey Ballet to perform to his music. The show was called Billboards and began in 1993.


Billboards - The Joffrey Ballet with the Music of Prince

Because of Copeland's amazing talent she's been presented with a lot of opportunities. She's also been presented with challenges. She began dancing at 13 which for some is considered a late start; he is noted as having a curvy body rather than a waif thin frame, and she is a black woman living within a racist society.

Photo: Mark Seliger

Although, Copeland has recognized this as a barrier, In a March, 2011 interview with Black Voices, she also admitted that her light brown skin may have given her an edge.

"I’ve seen so many talented black women who come in with the perfect physique and still not get into this company or another one. I think it’s probably about timing as well but it definitely may have been because they were too dark. I think I was lucky to get in when I did and maybe they felt that position was filled.

A young black girl came into the company, and she’s fair-skinned like me. We have yet to see a dark-skinned woman come into the company. It’s a very touchy subject in general."

In a March, 2011 article for Postbourgie, she asserted that, “Some black women give up and don’t do classical ballet dance” said Copeland in the BV interview “I want them to know that times are changing. The more people we have auditioning, they can’t deny talent.”


Anaheim Ballet Special features Misty Copeland of American Ballet Theatre

One thing is for certain. Misty Copeland inspires. She is very good at what she does, she seems to have a good head on her shoulders, and I admire her greatly.

 To learn more about Misty Copeland visit her official website here.

To visit the official Misty Copeland facebook page, click here.