Ballet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when the word “sports” is mentioned, but Misty Copeland demonstrates many athletic skills that keep her on the same level as Olympians. Born into poverty, Copeland escaped family issues through dance. Early on, she realized this was her passion and many saw that she had natural potential. With this, she rose through the dance scene and became well-known for her powerful but graceful moves. In August 2007, Copeland became the second female African American soloist at the American Ballet Theater company. She broke through more barriers as the first black woman to perform the lead role of “Odette/Odile” in American Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake. Finally, in 2014, Copeland became the First African American woman principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater. This has never happened in the company’s 75-year history.
Misty Copeland from the Naim Chidiac Abu Dhabi Festival, Gilda N. Squire, 28 March 2014
Misty gives back to her community. She has worked with many organizations to mentor young girls and boys such as MindLeaps, a non-profit aiming to get youth in post-conflict and developing countries interested in dance. In 2014, President Obama appointed Misty to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. This council promotes good health and fitness through programs and activities. She has also written two books: Firebird, a picturebook about a little girl who strives to be as good of a dancer as Misty, and Life in Motion, a memoir about Copeland's rise to success.
Misty Copeland's Firebird cover, Gilda N. Squire, 14 March 2014. Book Cover for Life In Motion memoir, Gilda N. Squire, 17 July 2013.