A history-making cultural icon, ballet dancer Misty Copeland shares her inspiring life journey—from living in a motel room with her five siblings to becoming the first Black principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre in the company’s 75-year history.
When Misty discovered ballet, she 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. In 2015 she became a principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, making her the first Black woman to achieve that position in the company’s 75-year history. She has performed some of the most iconic classical ballet roles, including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake; Juliet in Romeo & Juliet; Giselle; Manon; Coppelia; Kitri in Don Quixote; and Firebird, to name a few.
Misty is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Life In Motion, Ballerina Body, Black Ballerinas, The Wind At My Back, and picture books titled Bunheads and Firebird.
In her powerful speeches, Misty describes her accomplishments with an all-encompassing approach, touching upon her life story, social justice, and giving back. She leaves audiences with hope, inspiration, and a truly unforgettable experience.
- A Conversation with Misty Copeland
- Misty Copeland has been a major star in American cultural life for much of the last decade. Her rise has been inspirational, but also a feat that not even the ballerina herself had ever expected. At 13, when she discovered ballet Misty was living in a motel room, with her single mom and five siblings. 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. As principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, she became the first Black woman to achieve that position in the company’s 75-year history. She is the defining ballerina of this era, who is not only one of the finest dancers in the country, but someone who has captured the imagination of a generation that demands equity and diversity in all areas of their lives. In her talk, this barrier-breaker will discuss the ups and downs of her journey.