This woman was the first African American performer to be appointed as an American Ballet Theatre principal dancer. Misty Copeland is our terrific woman this Tuesday!
When Misty was little, she danced to cope with the problems occurring at home. She took dance classes at her local Boys and Girls Club and eventually started to train with the one and only, Debbie Allen. Misty had a lead role in Debbie Allen’s production, The Chocolate Nutcracker. She also continued performing at special events like charity events with Angela Basset.
In 1999, Misty did a summer intensive at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and she then joined the company the next year. June 2015 is when Misty made history in classical ballet by becoming the first African American performer to be a principal dancer in ABT’s 75 year old company. Misty was also a member of Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.
Misty is an inspiration for many young girls who aspire to be a professional ballet dancer! This Black History Month, we honor Misty!
“If love can e’er a loving one inspire,
Most lovingly it gave me now its fire…”