Misty Copeland: Diversity In Dance

Misty copeland is such a strong woman and an amazing dancer. She has been through a lot of obstacles, it's just amazing how she got where she is now. It’s incredible how many children and people Misty has inspired throughout her career.

Misty copeland was born on september 10th in 1982 in Kansas city, Missouri. Misty and her siblings grew up with a single mother. Copeland’s mother decided to move to San Pedro, California from Kansas City. That's when she got into the drill team of her middle school and later on her coach noticed her talent. Her coach recommended her to take classes with Cynthia Bradley at the local boys and girls club. Bradley recognized her talent and although copeland was only 13, she began taking classes with bradley at

the San Pedro Ballet school. Copeland moved into with Bradley and her family so she could be closer to the studio. When she was 15, she won first place in Ballet category of the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards. That summer she was accepted with a full scholarship into the summer program. Copeland moved back in with her family and still attended San Pedro high school. In the years 200 copeland won another full scholarship, then she was named the ABT’s National coca-cola scholar. In 2001 she became a member of the Corps de Ballet. She danced the lead roles of some dances and now she has started her project in training and mentoring children.
Misty Copeland impacted society in a way that other people haven’t. “Misty only had two years of training and she is the first african-american soloist for the prestigious american ballet theatre in twenty years” (states Ebony Magazine). Misty is a prodigy to other people . She became an award winning ballerina after only having two-years of training. Unlike other women, they started training since they were small. This means that Misty Copeland was born a natural Ballet dancer. She never took any dance classes except in middle school. She joined the drill team and made captain of the team. Girls all around the world look up to Misty because she was the first black principal dancer. That makes people have hope that if they want to accomplish something they should go right ahead and do it. In 2009 copeland appeared in a music video for the song “Crimson and clover” by prince. In which she performed live with him on his tour. “Copeland became a strong advocate for diversifying the field of ballet and creating access of varying racial and economic backgrounds” As it shows in (Britannica’s website). Kids all over the world are inspired by Copeland.
The dance industry before Misty Copeland entered was still very dramatic and beautiful. You never imagine to see an African American dance in stage in front of millions of people and she didn’t either. “I had moments of doubting myself, and wanting to quit, because I didn't know that there would be a future for an African american woman to make it to this level”.(Copeland said in an emotional press conference the day of her promotion). There was no colored people in the dance industry, only white girls. The company was only promoting that one race. “Ballet has a lily-white reputation. The great “Ballet Blanc” works glorify white swans, white shades, white wilis and white syphs. Still in 2014, the ballet industry might expect some progress in racial diversity onstage, especially in the U.S where populations of color are growing.” (states Pointemagazine.com). This industry’s diversity was only white females and males. Now when Misty entered it was totally different. No matter what race a person is they should have the right to try to make it. I hope many people see her as an example so that others can make their dreams come true just like misty did.
Misty Copeland’s career is surprising and inspiring. She is an African American principal dancer which went through racism and ethnic diversity. “though she was challenged by her difference not only skin color but also in body type, she was always more full-figured than her peers, and regularly reminded, she nevertheless climbed the ranks by virtue of her exceptional skill.” (Misty Copeland). Misty never thought that she would come so far to being the first African american principal dancer. Now that she is, she made a lot of differences. Many companies want to hire African American dancers like Misty. African American dancers all around the world know it’s possible and now they are trying their best to become someone important in life. “when Misty began, one dance company told her that she would never make it in Ballet (Misty Copeland CBSN). To hear something like that is overwhelming for a child. Misty believed in herself and others did to and look where she is now. A famous ballerina who is striving for more
When Misty copeland entered the dance field she made a huge difference.

she changed the way that other people saw the dance field. With Misty being the first African american principal dancer, people from all races had hope. “Misty Copeland, one of the most famous ballerinas and biggest champions of diversity in the industry, would be promoted to the highest rank”. states the website (vox.com). Now that this happened to Misty and that people know what happened and who she is, they know that they can make it also. Bringing diversity into dance was a good thing. Only white people were shown in Ballet but that changed. Others get inspired by Misty Copeland just like stella Abrera. “Stella Abrera is a dynamic dancer who established a solid career as a veteran soloist with ABT for 14 years, also nabbed the role of principal dancer becoming the first appointed Filipina american woman” informed us (Rachel Huggins). with different races trying to become someone in life these 2 girls are idols to some people. Many people come see her perform at places and she proved everyone wrong. Dance is racially segregated and people all around the world would like to become just like misty and

Stella.
Misty copeland’s impact on society is diverse and very motivative.

American Ballerina Misty copeland, a cultural phenomenon outside the dance world, has been promoted to highest rank of the African american female principal dancer in the company’s 75 year history” (Grinberd said in the article “misty is the first black principal dancer at american Ballet Theatre). copeland has made history when she was chosen to become a principal dancer. Something more than just her dream It wa finally accomplished and she was more than happy to show the world that she made it and she was beginning to change the world of dance. (Time For kids) states that “Misty Copeland mentors young dancers to help them find their way”. Misty is the ambassador for the boys and girls clubs of the American National Youth of the Year Program. She also started helping with programs that bring ballet to committees where it hasn’t previously been available. This shows how Copeland is a caring person. The fact that many people love her because of what she does is amazing. she will keep impacting people’s life by being there and making a difference. she’s an inspiration for a lot of kids all over the

world.
Misty made me realize what she has been through and how hard she worked for something she dreamed about. I like how she didn't give up and didn't stop until she made it where she wanted to be. Misty is a real inspiration to me, as well as other girls and dancers. I first heard about Misty Copeland when my dance teacher announced her to me and the class. she told us who she was and also showed me a video of her dancing. Misty is a lovable and caring person. What I mostly like about her is that she helps children. she simply helps them from her heart and she wants to help them decide what they want to do with their life. I enjoy how she motivated other races to try and make it to where they want to be.now other races have faith that they have the chance to make it. I decided that misty is a very talented woman and she will go far as a ballet dancer. She helped me and inspired me to grow more as a person. She is so helpful and thankful for all the people that took her to where she is now. i hope that she keeps on teaching kids and helping them to get better so that their dreams can come true just like her’s did.
the legacy that Misty Copeland portraits is that on june 30, 2015 she became the First African American to become a principal dancer. “Misty Copeland made history on tuesday when she was promoted to principal dancer of the prestigious American Ballet theatre, becoming the first African American Ballerina to reach the elite dance company’s top rank (Cunningham, Lilian, The Washington Post). When she became a principal dancer she motivated many African americans to dance. Letting them know her struggles and making sure that they can make it to where they want to be just like she made it. Many people look up to her as a person and a ballerina. “You have to believe in yourself. Before anyone else, you really have to believe that you're good enough, you're worthy and know that it's not easy. you have to put in work , but you also have to allow yourself to dream”. said Misty Copeland in (The Washington Post). with this being said she motivated others to strive for what they want. Misty Copeland’s legacy will stand and go on with many other things and accomplishments she does.
Misty Copeland couldn't have got this far if it wasn’t for the people who believed in her. Misty Copeland is an amazing person and a ballerina. The way she helps others reach their goals is astonishing. I personally love her and everything she does for people.