Misty Copeland: Our Ballerina

“I had no idea what I was walking into, and the years and years of hard work it would take. I felt like an outsider and like it was never going to happen. But even if I would have known, I think I still would have done it. Dancers are perfectionists, and that's what keeps us going and growing.”

This mentality is what keeps American ballet dancer Misty Copeland on top of her game. The journey from Kansas City to being on top of the ballet world certainly wasn't easy but if perfection is the goal, the sky is the limit.

Born in Missouri but raised in California, Misty has been dancing from an early age but began formal ballet training when she was 13. As a standout dancer in high school, she garnered acclaim across Los Angeles. Her hard work and dedication led to an opportunity to learn during the American Ballet Theatre's highly competitive Summer Intensive Program. Upon completion, Misty was one of six selected to be in the junior dance troupe.

“My body is very different from most of the dancers I dance with. My hair is different than most I dance with. But I didn't let that stop me. Black girls rock and can be ballerinas.”

In 2015, Misty became the first African American to be promoted principal ballerina in the American Ballet Theatre. In her book, she says, "The difference between being an amazing technician and being a soloist or principal is mastering those interpretive flourishes to tell the best story. Otherwise, you aren’t a ballerina—you’re just another dancer."

Misty's ascension to prominence has been an inspiration to young black dancers everywhere. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who looks like you doing something for you to know that it's a possibility. As a dancer, author, brand ambassador, model, and so much more, Misty has helped shed much-needed light on the world of dance and the opportunities it may bring.

“I do think that it's a responsibility when there are so few of us as African Americans to kind of get to that place of success in a positive light. We should take a stance and stand for something and use that platform for positivity.”