Biography:
Misty Danielle Copeland (born September 10, 1982) is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.
Copeland’s journey to success is a testament to passion, determination, and overcoming adversity. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she was raised in the San Pedro community of Los Angeles, California. Copeland’s love for dance was not nurtured until the age of 13 when she was introduced to ballet at her local Boys & Girls Club. Despite starting late, her raw talent and dedication quickly propelled her forward.
By the time Copeland was 15, she was already an award-winning dancer. However, her rapid rise to stardom was not without its challenges. In 1998, a custody battle erupted between Copeland’s ballet teachers, who were serving as her custodial guardians, and her mother. This legal struggle coincided with professional opportunities for Copeland, leaving her torn between family and career.
Fighting for her dreams, Copeland filed for emancipation and her mother countered with restraining orders. Eventually, both sides dropped the legal proceedings. In the midst of the turmoil, Copeland moved home to begin studying under a new teacher who was a former ABT member. This pivotal moment allowed her talent to flourish, and in 1997, Copeland won the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award as the best dancer in Southern California.
Copeland’s determination and talent shone through, and she caught the attention of American Ballet Theatre. After two summer workshops with ABT, she became a member of ABT’s Studio Company in 2000 and joined the corps de ballet in 2001. Her dedication and skill continued to elevate her career, and she was promoted to soloist in 2007. During this time, Copeland’s dancing evolved, showcasing her versatility and sophistication.
Beyond her achievements in ballet, Copeland has become a beacon of inspiration and a trailblazer for future generations. She has embraced her role as a public speaker, celebrity spokesperson, and stage performer. Copeland has authored two autobiographical books, sharing her journey and inspiring others through her words. She also narrated the documentary A Ballerina’s Tale, exploring the challenges she faced throughout her career.
In 2015, Copeland’s impact on society was recognized when she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. She graced the magazine’s cover, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon. Copeland’s presence extends beyond the realm of ballet, as she has showcased her talent on Broadway in On the Town, toured as a featured dancer for Prince, and made appearances on reality television shows such as A Day in the Life and So You Think You Can Dance.
Throughout her career, Copeland has been a sought-after brand ambassador, endorsing products and companies such as T-Mobile, Coach, Inc., Dr Pepper, Seiko, The Dannon Company, and Under Armour. Her impact and influence extend far beyond the stage, inspiring people of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.
Misty Copeland’s resilience, talent, and dedication have not only propelled her to the pinnacle of the ballet world but have also made her a symbol of empowerment and possibility. She continues to make history, challenging traditional norms and inspiring generations to come.
Awards:
– Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award (1997)
– Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2015)