Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1982. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. She started ballet late but rose to the top through talent and hard work.

Early Life

Copeland did not start ballet until she was 13, which is very late for a dancer. She took a free class at a Boys and Girls Club and was a natural. Within three months, she was dancing on pointe. She was declared a prodigy by her teachers.

Breaking Barriers

Copeland joined the American Ballet Theatre and worked her way up. In 2015, she made history as the first Black woman to become a principal dancer there in its 75-year history. She has written books about her journey and inspired a new generation of diverse dancers.

Fun Facts

• Misty Copeland did not start ballet until age 13.
• She was dancing on pointe within three months of her first class.
• She wrote a bestselling memoir called Life in Motion.

Did You Know?

Misty Copeland once lived in a motel with her mother and five siblings. She says ballet saved her life by giving her focus and a dream to chase.