Early Years
Misty Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1982 to a single mother. She grew up in a poor and unstable household, yet managed to excel in school and athletics, particularly in ballet. Despite her talent and ambition, she faced many obstacles in her pursuit of a career in ballet, including poverty and racism. Despite these obstacles, Copeland never gave up and continued to pursue her dreams.
Personal Life
Copeland is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and is a dedicated wife and mother. She is married to fellow dancer Olu Evans and the two share two children. Copeland is committed to inspiring others to pursue their passions, and has been a role model for generations of young dancers.
Influences
Throughout her career, Copeland has been inspired by a number of influential figures including:
- Misty Copeland’s mother, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams despite their difficult circumstances.
- Alvin Ailey, who was a pioneering African American choreographer and opened the door for dancers like Copeland.
- George Balanchine, the Russian-born American choreographer who shaped ballet in the 20th century.
Career
At the age of 13, Copeland joined the San Francisco Ballet and was quickly promoted to the main company. In 2001, she joined the American Ballet Theatre, becoming the first African American female principal dancer in the company's 75-year history. Copeland has gone on to perform as a principal dancer in some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies, including the Paris Opera Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, and the Royal Ballet.
Accomplishments
Copeland has achieved a number of major accomplishments in her career. She has been featured in multiple documentaries, films and television shows, and was named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2015. She is also a best-selling author with her memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, and is a major spokesperson for Under Armour, promoting health and wellness and inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.
