Misty Copeland’s path to dance was not a traditional one, as she entered the practice quite late. She was 13 when first introduced to ballet, and she took classes offered at her local Boys & Girls Club. Quickly considered a prodigy, she has spent the entirety of her career with the American Ballet Theatre (the only African-American woman to do so). She is the third soloist of African-American background (and the first in two decades) to perform with the American Ballet Theatre. She has endured not only a difficult upbringing that called for much adversity, but also cultural pressure associated with the role she has assumed.
In her children’s picture book, “Firebird” (profiled in last month’s Bookworm story), which is a collaboration with author and illustrator Christopher Myers, Copeland seeks to inspire other young dancers. The title holds significance, as it was one of the first principal roles that she performed for the American Ballet Theatre. The book itself is dedicated to her mentor Raven Wilkinson, the first African-American ballerina to tour the country.
Copeland has been very vocal about the lack of diversity in classical ballet. She has worked very closely with the development of Project Plié, a comprehensive initiative to increase racial and ethnic representation in ballet. Project Plié seeks to combine training and support of ballet students and dance teachers from underrepresented communities. Project Plié will also include a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to introduce participants to ballet — aiming to take an important step toward helping the classical ballet profession better reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of our country.
I recently spoke to Misty Copeland about being a child prodigy, her lengthy career with the American Ballet Theatre, and how she plans to influence diversity in classical ballet.
Shnieka Johnson: You were a teen when you were first introduced to ballet and were quickly considered a prodigy. When did you come to the realization that this was indeed your passion?
Misty Copeland: I realized ballet was my passion a few weeks after I took my first class. The process in the studio was so intriguing to me. Knowing everyday I was going to learn something new was something I needed in my life at that time. Something structured, but artistic. Performing was such a thrill.
SJ: How did you initially become affiliated with A.B.T.?
MC: My first ballet teacher, Cindy, showed me videos of ballerinas to show me what was possible. They were all A.B.T. ballerinas. My first live ballet performance was A.B.T.’s “Don Quixote” at the Music Center in Los Angeles. Paloma Herrera and Angel Corella were the leads. I fell in love with the company.
SJ: Your most-recently published work is in partnership with author and illustrator Christopher Myers for the picture book “Firebird.” Why did you choose that character to center the children’s book? To share this message?
MC: Firebird was the first leading classical role I danced with A.B.T. She is a powerful character who had been portrayed by some of the most iconic ballerinas in history. Christopher and I took that character and made her me. Misty the Firebird is a leader and mentor for young dancers, the same type of inspiration that Raven Wilkinson was for me.
SJ: You mention Raven Wilkinson as inspiration to you. When were you first introduced to her work? At what time were you able to share this with her?
MC: I saw the “Ballet Russes” documentary when I was maybe 27 years old. I immediately felt a connection and attachment to her being a black ballerina. It was amazing to hear her struggles and see someone who looked like me. It wasn’t until I was maybe 28 that I met her. I cried when I met her. She was my hero and she was real!
SJ: You have openly spoken about what it is like to be an “only” in your field. A.B.T. has made efforts in advancing diversity in ballet with “Project Plié” for young girls of diverse backgrounds. Can you tell me more about your role with that?
MC: I am on the advisory council of Project Plié. A.B.T.’s C.E.O. Rachel Moore came to me directly with the idea. She wanted to hear my experiences and what changes needed to be made to create an environment where minority dancers felt support from their peers and the staff. The strongest asset I bring is simply my experiences.
SJ: What advice do you give young aspiring ballet dancers?
MC: Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with people who are going to be your support system during those moments when you may have doubts and fears. Enjoy the process of becoming your best self!
• • •
Project Plié
Misty Copeland with ballet students.
Project Plié will award the following annual scholarships to promising students, aged 9 to 18:
• 15 Full Scholarships to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre Children’s and Pre-Professional Divisions.
• 15 Full Scholarships to attend American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Programs, five of which will include housing stipends.
• 10 Full Scholarships to A.B.T.’s Young Dancer Summer Workshop in New York City, a two-week program for young dancers, aged 9 to 12.
Scholarship recipients will be identified through auditions conducted throughout the United States and nominations made by A.B.T.-certified teachers during the Company’s 25-city Summer Intensive audition tour and at master classes held in all five boroughs of New York City. Project Plié scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive comprehensive training in classical dance; financial assistance for uniforms, shoes, and travel; and access to academic tutoring, health assessments, career guidance and mentoring from the theater’s dancers and teaching staff.
Upcoming American Ballet Theatre performances with Misty Copeland:
• “Les Sylphides” – May 14 evening (New York, NY)
• “La Bayadère” – June 2 evening (New York, NY)
• “Romeo and Juliet” – June 20 matinee (New York, NY)
• “Swan Lake” – June 24 matinee (New York, NY)
For more visit:
•global.penguinrandomhouse.com
•www.A.B.T..org/education/projectplie
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shniekajohnson.com.
