Misty Copeland’s rise to prominence in the ballet world is a story of resilience, talent, and breaking barriers. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland began her ballet studies at the relatively late age of thirteen. Despite the late start, she quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, winning first place in the Music Center Spotlight Awards at fifteen. Her journey to the pinnacle of ballet was filled with challenges, but her perseverance and passion for dance led her to become a trailblazer in a traditionally homogeneous field.
Copeland’s career milestones are significant. After joining the American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company in September 2000, she rapidly advanced, joining the corps de ballet in April 2001. By August 2007, she became the second African American female soloist at ABT, the first in two decades. Her historic rise culminated in June 2015, when she was promoted to principal dancer, becoming the first African American woman to achieve that position in the company’s 75-year history. Copeland’s promotion was a breakthrough moment, not just for her, but for the entire ballet community, signaling a shift toward greater diversity and inclusion.
Throughout her career, Copeland has performed a variety of classical and contemporary roles, earning critical acclaim for her performances. She made history as the first Black woman to play the lead role in American Ballet Theatre’s ‘Swan Lake’ and brought new interpretations to classics like ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’. Copeland’s achievements have made her a role model for aspiring dancers of all backgrounds, demonstrating that the arts can be accessible and inclusive.
Beyond her performances, Copeland has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in ballet and the arts. In 2022, she launched The Misty Copeland Foundation, with its first signature program, BEBOLD, aiming to bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to ballet. She has also worked with various charitable organizations and serves as an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. Her production company, Life InMotion Productions, is dedicated to bringing representative stories of artists to a wider audience. Copeland’s influence extends beyond the ballet stage. She is a New York Times best-selling author with multiple books, including ‘Life In Motion’, ‘Ballerina Body’, and ‘Black Ballerinas’. Her 2022 book, ‘The Wind At My Back’, is a tribute to her late mentor and friend, pioneering ballerina Raven Wilkinson.
In recognition of her impact, Copeland has received numerous awards and honors, including the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor, and the Trailblazer Icon Award at The Grio Awards in 2023. She has been named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People and received honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions. Through her groundbreaking career and tireless advocacy, Misty Copeland has reshaped the landscape of ballet, opening doors for future generations of diverse artists and proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any barrier.
