Misty Copeland

In this article, Adi Thorson will tell readers about the life and legacy of Misty Copeland, who is a famous ballet dancer. 

Misty Copeland: Ballerina Legend

By Adi Thorson

Misty Copeland is a ballet dancer. She was invited to dance for American Ballet Theater and join its rigorous training program, where she became the first African American woman to advance to principal dancer. American Ballet Theatre is one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States, which is based in New York. She is a role model for young ballerinas around the world. 

Photo from Gainsville

Misty Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised in San Pedro, California. She and her siblings grew up with a single mother who struggled with financial instability. Misty was discovered for her dancing after participating in her middle school’s drill team, and started her ballet studies at the age of 13. She studied at Lauridsen Ballet Center at the age of 15, after winning first place in the music center spotlight awards. She joined the American Ballet Theatre in 2000, and became a member of the Corps de Ballet, performing in group scenes. It is unusual for dancers to progress as quickly as Misty did, and according to The Washington Post, she says, “The music made sense in my body. And the technique of classical dance was organic and natural.” Her rapid improvement is impressive. 

Photo from DancePlug

Misty’s main performances include The Firebird (2012), Gulnare in Le Corsaire (2013), Swanilda in Coppélia (2014), and the lead role, Odette/Odile, in Swan Lake (2014). Her performances were highly praised, but because she had not been used to ballet training, the increase in vigorous training caused her injuries. She had six fractures in her left shin and had plates screwed in on her left tibia. An article in Essence Magazine also shares that she struggled with eating habits. Many dancers struggle with eating disorders and it is difficult to perform and have a long lasting career when dealing with these struggles.

Misty accomplished a lot throughout her career as a ballet dancer. Even though she had a rough start at life, her young talent was discovered. Her quick progression was a blessing and a curse, but she was able to break the standards and inspire people everywhere.