<p>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. </p><p>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 <em>Swan Lake</em>; Juliet in <em>Romeo & Juliet</em>; Giselle; Manon; Coppelia; Kitri in <em>Don Quixote</em>; and <em>Firebird</em>, to name a few.</p><p>Misty is the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of several books, including <em>Life In Motion, Ballerina Body, Black Ballerinas, The Wind At My Back</em>, and picture books titled <em>Bunheads and Firebird.</em></p><p>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.</p>
First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre
<ul><li><strong>A Conversation with Misty Copeland</strong></li><li>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.</li></ul>