Misty Copeland– this is a name that hopefully rings a bell. If not, she is an inspirational member of the dance community that you should know!

Copeland began her dance career incredibly late: she was 13! Commonly, dancers begin their journey between the ages of 2-4, due to the intricacy of the art. As a minority and a beginner, Copeland struggled to fit into ballet class. Paired with a home life that was less than ideal, Misty had the odds stacked against her. However, she ultimately succeeds. Misty became more and more involved in ABT, (The American Ballet Theater), and Ultimately won a scholarship to the prestigious ballet school. Following this achievement, Misty was hired by ABT to be in the corps (which is essentially just a dancer who isn’t a main role.) From there, Misty went on to become a soloist. And then, the unthinkable happened. Misty Copeland became ABT’s very first African American principal dancer. Misty Copeland, who only a decade ago didn’t even know what a tendu was. Misty Copland became an inspiration for so many people at that moment. Not only is she showing the world that you can do anything you set your mind to, but she is showing every minority child that even when they don’t look like the people around them, they can still succeed. Misty has gone on to be a spokesperson and activist. She teaches and trains and has reprised her role as a principal ballerina many times since her first role. She has won many awards to honor her role in progression in the dance world and has even written her own book. Her impact was so great that she even inspired a Barbie doll to be made after her. She is married to an attorney so also is successful in her personal life. Misty also secured a Broadway role, further proving her versatile nature.  She is endorsed by not only under armor but even Dr. Pepper and Coach. She also is in one of the newest most talent-filled movies out now: The Nutcracker. She stars alongside Twilights’ Mackenzie Foy. Needless to say, Misty Copeland has achieved so much and is a role model. She has done things in this industry that no one before her has done, and remains humble throughout. She is a history maker.