Misty Copeland has defied all odds to get to where she is today. She has inspired many to reach for their dreams and always persevere. An African-American woman that broke and continues to break boundaries not only for herself, but for all those who look up to her.
Misty Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 10, 1982. Her mother, Sylvia, had several marriages and after moving to California, Copeland dealt with the impact of a step father who was abusive not only to her mother, but the children as well.
Misty developed her passion for dance in school, and was encouraged to join a ballet class under the instruction of Cindy Bradley, where she thrived. Immediately, Misty’s potential and apparent talent was seen. Due to a difficult home life, at the age of 13, Copeland moved in with her dance teacher to continue training. In 1999, she held a lead role in “The Chocolate Nutcracker.”
“She’s an incredibly gifted ballerina… She’s a child who dances in her soul,” said Debbie Allen, producer of “The Chocolate Nutcracker,” in the Los Angeles Times Magazine.
Copeland had the chance to study at the San Francisco Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive on a full scholarship. In 2000, she joined the American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) company and became a member of their corps de ballet in 2001.
In 2007, Misty was the second ever African-American soloist for the ABT and showcased her talents in numerous productions.
Misty Copeland made history in June of 2015 when she was promoted to principal dancer, making her the first African-American woman to be appointed as such in the history of ABT. Then, Time Magazine named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People.
Misty has been seen on tour with musical legend Prince, guest appearing on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” in VOGUE magazine, campaigning for Under Armour and much more.
Copeland told TIME, “I never thought I could make a career out of something I enjoyed doing — something I was passionate about, something that gave me a voice.”
