Black History Month USA | Misty Copeland

Black History Month USA | Misty Copeland

She is a Ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, one of the three major classical ballet companies in the United States. Misty Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history on June 30, 2015.


Unless she's on her toes, Misty Copeland is just a little over 5 feet tall, but she's a top dancer towering figure in the world of ballet. A  top dancer in one of the top companies of American ballet theatre, she's been called a prodigy, a breath of fresh air misty. Copeland is the embodiment of the American dream, she grew up poor, didn't hear classical music until she was a teenager. She is an African-American in a profession where few have reached the top.  To do that, she has overcome or after all the most of us ever faced. 

Misty Copeland says, "Ballet was definitely my escape." She says that it was the first thing she ever experienced in her life that she experienced alone, not with her 5 siblings. I felt empowered because it gave me a voice."

Copeland discovered ballet when she was 13, living in a California motel with her mother and siblings. She was a shy, quiet child who rarely spoke and tried not to be noticed. After 23 years, her story is one even ballet might find unbelievable. She became the first black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015, becoming a spokesperson, poster girl, and bona fide star in the dance world.

She was told she did not fit the mould because of her age, body type, pedigree, and background, and that she shouldn't be a part of a world-class ballet company. But there is a lack of diversity in the ballet until Misty Copeland changed everything. With her art, she became the voice of inspiration to break through the obstacles in her way and be a role model for future generations.

Copeland has actively sought out opportunities to promote ballet to new audiences and to change its image, from speaking engagements to endorsements and book deals. When millions of viewers see her in a sports clothing commercial, she says, "they will see a black ballerina and think that's what a ballerina looks like. "When you can imagine yourself on the stage, especially as a young person, you are free to imagine anything." She said her strength, confidence and perseverance come from the fact that she never wants to let her audience down, that she has struggled and experienced so many hard times in her life and how it affects the people around her, and that is what gave her the strength to go on when she could barely walk. 


What item of clothing you feel they would have essentially in her lingerie wardrobe

Our hosiery would be perfect for her busy schedule of events, premieres, and interviews in which she would be stunning in matching nude tights.  Additionally, our Naked Collection Briefs and G-string are perfect for a ballerina during training days, boasting seamless finishing that lets you move freely and ensures maximum comfort. 

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