Misty Copeland: Ain’t I A Dancer?
As the only African-American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, anxious 13-year-old to become a ground¬breaking ballerina.
When she discovered ballet, Misty Copeland was living in a shabby motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: A feat unheard of for any classical dancer. But when Misty Copeland became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life (culminating in a highly publicized custody battle), she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.
With an insider’s unique point of view, Misty Copeland opens a window into the life of a professional ballerina who lives life center stage: From behind the scenes at her first auditions to her triumphant roles in some of the most iconic ballets. But in this beautifully written memoir, she also delves deeper to reveal the desire and drive that made her dreams reality.
“ Misty Copeland is considered an unlikely ballerina: she is curvy and she is black, neither of which is a common attribute in the field. But it is her very late beginning and rapid attainment of virtuosity that are arguably without precedent for a female ballerina. (Rudolf Nureyev had a famously late and chaotic start, his early training having been limited by the vagaries of the post-Second World War Soviet Union.) Many professional ballet dancers begin their training around the age of three. Every dancer is a synthesis of givens—height, limb length, natural turnout—and intense effort, but Copeland’s late start can exaggerate the tendency we might have to regard a ballerina as simply touched by something divine.”
An Unlikely Ballerina “The rise of Misty Copeland”, The NewYorker.com
I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations on being the FIRST African-American woman to be named a principal in the 75-year history of American Ballet Theater. I’m so honored that you are on the cover of Heart & Soul during this historical moment.”
~Anita Kopacz Editor-in-Chief Heart & Soul Magazine.
Connect with Anita Kopacz at anitakopacz.com
This Interview was a shared courtesy of Heart and Soul Magazine. Heart & Soul is the preeminent multicultural media platform that promotes physical, spiritual and mental well-being created specifically for women of color and their families. Heart & Soul media provides ethnic women with a panoramic view of the rapidly changing field of women’s health and wellness. From fitness – to food preparation – to just being fabulous, Heart & Soul has its finger on the pulse of multicultural women in ways that inspire, inform and improve their lives. Heart & Soul is designed specifically for active women of color who want more out of life. Heart& Soul is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date training and nutritional information in print & online visit www.heartandsoul.com.
