By Heli

Main idea

Misty Copeland was born on September 10,1982. She was the first African-American ballerina to be appointed principal dancer in the United States. Misty is known for breaking barriers as a African-American in the world of classic ballet.

Background Information

When Misty was a child she had a hard life. Her parents got divorced. People did not expect her to be a star ballerina because of the color of her skin. When people treat other people differently based on the color of their skin, that is called racism. Today we are still working on discrimination but we are getting better and better and better

Childhood

Misty was anxious as a child. Misty only had her mother and her five siblings. Her relationship with her fourth step-father wasn't good either with him, physically or emotionally. Sometimes the only way she found comfort was through performing. She would often dance to the songs of Mariah Carey. A basketball court is an odd place for Misty to start dancing or for the star ballerina in her to be discovered. But it was the Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro where Misty started taking her first ballet class. She was considered a prodigy which means gifted child. And after barely three months of study, Misty began dancing on pointe, which is a more advanced level of ballet. It features dancing on the tips of your toes.

The obstacles that Misty faced

Some obstacles that Misty faced are that her mother raised her and her five siblings all at once. They moved many times and did not have much money. Her mother had several failed marriages and because of that they had to move from place to place until they settled in San Pedro.

Fun facts

Some fun facts about Misty are that she started dancing when she was thirteen but scientists think that most good ballerinas start dancing when they are three. One of Misty's quotes was “Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. Believe that anything is possible when you have the right people to support you.’’

Misty Copeland wrote a book called Firebird. One of the things she says is ¨Even birds must learn to fly like me, you'll grow steady in grace, spread an arabesque of wings and climb.” I think she is trying to say that to get good you have to practice and then you will get better.

Character Traits

These are three character traits I would like to describe Misty Copeland.

Passionate: Misty has been dancing her whole life and she worked hard and never gave up to become a star ballerina.

Determined: People did not think she could take the star ballerina role but despite the criticism she still got up on stage and earned the star ballerina roll.

Inspiring: Misty's accomplishment proved to others that no matter their race, gender or nationality they can do anything they put their mind to.

My question for Misty

If I had one question for Misty it would be: How did you feel being the one of the only African-Amarican in your dance class?

Why is Misty important today

Misty is important to learn about today because her story teaches kids and adults that no matter your race ,gender or nationality you can do anything you want. Misty also teaches many Black girls and boys that they can be important and take on the most important roles.