Misty Copeland is the first African-American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), performing iconic roles such as Odette in “Swan Lake” and Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet.”
Misty Copeland has reflected on the unique pressure of being the only Black woman at ABT during her time there. During the company’s filming of “Swan Lake,” Copeland was taken out of the corps de ballet because she would “ruin the aesthetic” as the only Black ballerina among the white dancers. She would later go on to perform as Odette/Odile, the lead role in “Swan Lake.”.
Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in selections from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”, including a guest star performance by Misty Copeland as the white swan.
What Makes us Great: a Behind-the-Scenes Look Into Shaping Misty’s Identity
Coming from an unstable childhood, Misty Copeland’s path to dance was exceptionally turbulent. She was homeless for years, and frequently moved — before the age of seven, she had attended seven schools. The trajectory of Misty’s life changed when she joined a Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro, California. “That was the first time I felt like this is what a home is,” she said. “It was somewhere I could consistently go to … It was the first time I experienced what mentorship was.”
In this Boys and Girls Club Misty was spotted by ballet teacher Cynthia Bradley, founder of San Pedro City Ballet. This was a turning point in Misty’s life.
“There would be no Misty without Cynthia” often says Misty. The focus our “Ballet & Identity” talk series is a behind-the-scenes exploration of what shapes a great ballet dancer and exceptional person.
“I Will What I Want” is the story of shaping Misty Copeland’s identity.
The Legacy of Misty’s Teacher and Mentor Cynthia Bradley Lives On
BE BOLD a Groundbreaking Afterschool Dance Initiative
Misty’s experiences motivated her to advocate for greater inclusivity in the arts. The Misty Copeland Foundation, offers the Be Bold Program, an introductory ballet initiative for students of color without access to quality after-school dance programs.
BE BOLD is a groundbreaking afterschool dance initiative inspired by Misty Copeland’s own formative experience at the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club.
With BE BOLD, the Misty Copeland Foundation offers an introductory ballet program designed for young children of color ages 5 – 12.
The program transforms conventional dance education and strives to make ballet accessible, affordable, and fun.
BE BOLD strives to remedy the significant gap in quality afterschool programs and limited access to formal dance instruction.
BE BOLD’s framework covers ballet fundamentals and incorporates age-appropriate health and wellness content, along with live music exploration.
REFERENCES
Misty Copeland and her unexpected journey into dance
After 25 Groundbreaking Years, Misty Copeland Is Moving On | The Interview
BeBold (Ballet Offers Leadership Development) a New Approach to Afterschool Dance Education
Misty Copeland on “Women of the World” with Robin Roberts
PHOTO CREDITS
Misty Copeland and her unexpected journey into dance – Copeland’s photo Courtesy: Scripps College
Misty Copeland and BE BOLD students at the South Bronx Preparatory
BE BOLD Framework
Misty Copeland & Cynthia Bradley from the gallery “An Evening with MISTY COPELAND at SMYTH, a THOMPSON HOTEL” by Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
