Misty Copeland

Who She Was 

Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer who became the first Black woman to be named principal dancer in the seventy-five-year history of the American Ballet Theatre. She began her formal ballet training at age thirteen, which is considered late for classical ballet, after discovering dance at a Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro, California. Within just a few years, her natural talent and rigorous work ethic carried her through the ranks of one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. She has since performed some of ballet's most demanding lead roles, including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

Why She Matters

Misty Copeland's rise proved that talent, dedication, and love for movement can overcome a late start and a lack of early opportunity. As a leading voice for diversity in ballet, she has opened doors for dancers who do not fit the traditional mold the field once expected. Her visibility, through performances, books, and public appearances, has introduced millions of young people to the possibility of a career in ballet who might never have considered it before. For young dancers who feel behind or unsure if they belong, Copeland's story shows that persistence and passion matter more than a perfect starting point.