Ode to Misty
For more than two decades, Misty Copeland redefined the world of ballet by becoming the first African American female Principal Dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Her rise from a late-starting prodigy to a global icon shattered racial and body image barriers within a historically rigid art form. Her career inspired a new generation of dancers, expanded ballet's audience, and paved the way for greater diversity in the arts. This week, Copeland took her final bow, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond her extraordinary performances.
A miraculous rise
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Copeland was raised in San Pedro, California, with five siblings by a single mother. Introduced to ballet at the relatively late age of 13 at a Boys & Girls Club, she immediately demonstrated immense natural talent. Her coach quickly recognized her gift, and Copeland was dancing en pointe within three months—a feat that often takes years to master.
Despite a tumultuous family life, Copeland's talent propelled her forward. At 18, she joined the ABT Studio Company on a full scholarship and, in 2001, entered the company's corps de ballet. Over the next decade, as the only Black woman in the 80-person company, she endured subtle racism and body image pressure, which caused her to question her place in the ballet world. However, her tenacious spirit and stellar technique saw her become a Soloist in 2007, and eventually, the company's first Black female Principal Dancer in 2015.
A star on and off the stage
As a Principal Dancer, Copeland performed some of the most iconic roles in classical ballet, including:
Odette/Odile in Swan Lake
Juliet in Romeo & Juliet
The title role in Firebird, a part choreographed specifically for her
Her star power transcended the stage. She became a celebrity spokesperson for brands like Under Armour, made guest appearances with musicians such as Prince and Taylor Swift, and authored several bestselling books, including her memoir, Life in Motion, and the children's book Firebird.
A catalyst for change
Copeland's greatest impact lies in her activism. She used her platform to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in ballet. Her presence created what the dance world came to call "the Misty Effect"—a phenomenon that inspired people from diverse backgrounds to pursue ballet.
Her advocacy was both public and personal. In 2023, she launched a petition to push Apple for more diverse skin tones for the pointe shoe emoji after having to color her own shoes to match her skin tone, a constant reminder of the field's exclusionary history.
In 2021, she established The Misty Copeland Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to making ballet affordable and accessible for all children. The foundation's "BE BOLD" program aims to inspire greater representation within the art form.
Leaving a legacy
After a remarkable 30-year career, Copeland officially retired from performing with ABT. Her farewell gala was a star-studded event with tributes from figures like Oprah Winfrey, who stated, "Misty didn't just perform ballet... She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead".
As Copeland transitions from the stage to her next chapter, she will continue her work as a philanthropist and advocate, ensuring that her impact is felt for decades to come. Her trailblazing journey is a powerful testament to her artistry, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making the world of ballet a more inclusive and representative place.
