A Ballerina's Tale

Misty Copeland was born in Kansas City and raised in San Pedro, California. She began her ballet journey at the age of 13, which is considered a relatively late start for dancers and indicates the challenges she would later face in her pursuit of a professional ballet career.

By the age of 15, Misty Copeland emerged as one of California's top ballet talents. Her hard work paid off when she earned the prestigious Spotlight Awards, establishing herself as a promising dancer on the rise.

At the age of 17, Misty moved to New York City to join the American Ballet Theatre's studio company. This pivotal step marked the beginning of her formal training and the start of her journey within one of the most respected ballet companies in the world.

Before officially becoming part of the company, Misty went on a two-week trip to China with the main company. During this trip, she formed a close friendship with fellow dancer Leyla Fayyaz, creating memorable experiences that would help ease her transition into the competitive world of ballet.

The following year, Misty secured her place in the American Ballet Theatre's Corps de Ballet. This achievement was significant in her career, as it allowed her to perform among some of the best dancers in the industry, despite facing challenges as the only African American woman in a group of 80.

Susan Fales-Hill became a pivotal mentor for Misty, introducing her to trailblazing women across various fields. This mentorship was crucial for Misty as she navigated a ballet world often lacking in diversity and representation.

In 2013, Misty performed the lead role in Igor Stravinsky's demanding *Firebird* at the Metropolitan Opera House. This performance marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her talent to an audience that now included many prominent African American women.

After her dazzling performance in *Firebird*, Misty faced significant physical challenges due to fractures in her shins. Despite the pain, she continued to push through, demonstrating her dedication to her art and her determination to succeed.

Following her injuries, Misty underwent surgery on her left shin. During her rehabilitation, she focused on floor barre exercises and tested her strength while performing the Dying Swan, proving her resilience and commitment to her recovery.

Misty had a memorable visit from Raven Wilkinson, the first African American to perform in a major ballet company. Their heartfelt conversations about representation and the struggles they faced as dancers of color created a strong bond between the two women.

Misty returned to the American Ballet Company to participate in the Robert Bolle and Friends International Tour. Despite ongoing injuries, she showcased exceptional determination and resilience through her performances.

As Misty’s fame continued to rise, she participated in an Under Armour photo shoot that reflected her mission to diversify ballet. This opportunity highlighted her role in breaking barriers within the industry and welcoming dancers from all backgrounds.

In the summer of 2014, Misty was cast in the lead role of *Swan Lake*, making history as the first black woman to portray Odette/Odile in a prestigious international ballet company. This significant achievement demonstrated the progress being made within the art form.

On June 30, 2015, Misty reached the pinnacle of her career when she was named the principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. This dream milestone not only marked her personal achievement but also represented a breakthrough moment for representation in ballet.