Raising the Barre
She was in the perfect setting. Flanked by other intelligent and accomplished women of color, Misty Copeland shared how she never thought it could be possible to become the first African American female principal dancer in the 78- year history of the American Ballet Theatre. And as her eyes filled with tears of joy, The Real hosts emotionally beamed with pride too.
Copeland’s amazing journey comes with a message that never gets old: Do what you love and what you are passionate about and the rest—joy, accomplishment and success—will blossom in ways you could never imagine.
Talent and determination propelled Copeland to change the face of American ballet. Penetrating what she has described as “the very white, very secluded” world of classical ballet, was her destiny.
“I feel very fortunate that I have been able to bring it to more people,” Copeland told Loni Love. “For a Black woman to thrive and survive in the ballet world, it’s unheard of. I just feel so fortunate that I have been given all of these opportunities.”
Copeland is redefining what is possible. Estee Lauder recognized her “feminine strength, power, dedication and passion” when they selected her to be their newglobal spokesmodel for Modern Muse perfume. According to the mega beauty company, Copeland embodies this brand like no other. “She's confident and inde-pendent, soft and strong, feminine yet dynamic. Stylish and original, she inspires everyone she meets—without saying a word.”
“For Black girls to see a woman that is not overly sexualized, and a woman who is deemed intelligent and talented, I think that is so important,” added Copeland, who was appointed in 2014 by President Obama to the President’s Council on Fit- ness, Sports, and Nutrition.
Her new and first health and fitness book Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to A Leaner Stronger and More Graceful You is a testament that setting an example of a healthy image ranks high in her life. She has said that a ballerina doesn’t have to be rail thin. And her book offers meal plans, workout routines and words of inspira- tion to achieve a healthy body, mind and spirit.
Dedication is an understatement when it comes to Copeland’s life thus far. She was sleeping on a palette in a motel room with her mother and five siblings when she decided to commit to ballet at age 13. That determination has also led to authoring three books and receiving an honorary degree for helping to diversify ballet. All of these are achievements that Copeland has said she never thought could be possible.
“The ABT is aggressively recruiting African-American dancers, but this program is not about quotas or affirmative action,” Fales-Hill clarifies. “Its focus is to actively search for the best dancers” and prepare them for ABT II, the junior company. After 14 seasons in existence, ABT II (considered a feeder for the primary ballet troupe) has two African-American dancers.
So she continues to work hard and to be a role model just like two of the women who inspired and supported her—Raven Wilkinson, who is said to be the first Af- rican American dancer with a major classical ballet company (Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo); and Victoria Rowell, actress, writer, producer, and dancer. Because ultimately, she wants her life to be a testimony that all dreams are possible: “When we achieve our own dreams we carry others with us.”
For more information about ABT, including its complete tour schedule, log on to abt.org.