Misty Copeland is the first black female American Ballet Theater Soloist in 20 years, and she’s helping redefine what it means to look like a dancer.
She tells CNN that being a black ballerina is a challenge, as many in world of ballet believe that a classical ballerina is “a white woman, petite, without curves.” Misty’s far from what a woman’s magazine would label as “curvy,” but she’s certainly not fragile and birdlike. When she moves across the stage, she conveys a strength and grace that’s elevated her to the top of her field.
Copeland spends her time when she’s not making insanely difficult physical movements look easy mentoring young girls at a Boys & Girls Club. One of her proteges said that working with Misty has made her believe that even if you’re different, “you can be just as equal as everyone else.”
Speaking of Misty, I believe I have something in my eye. Or it’s raining on my face or something.
Misty Copeland: reshaping your idea of what a ballerina looks like [CNN]