Misty Copeland On Changing the Face of Ballet | TIME 100 | TIME

I never thought I could make a career out of something I enjoyed doing something I was passionate about, something that gave me a voice, says Misty Copeland, who is one of the first African Americans to be a soloist with American Ballet Theatre.
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Misty Copeland On Changing the Face of Ballet | TIME 100 | TIME
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[@ziyandapalesatutu5633]

May she please come to South Africa to inspire black Girls in Africa.

[@alexdesanctis]

Ziyanda Palesa Tutu yea, those are people who need inspiration, not fat privileged Americans

[@biglloyd5870]

Ziyanda Palesa Tutu I'm sure she inspires anyone out of the norm not just blacks

[@GP-bs3mn]

black magic753 Shut up, all of that pc crap is out the window. Yes Black girls.

[@bobsmith8765]

yes. and let here stay.

[@No_cia]

Ziyanda Palesa Tutu why not white?

[@inspectionnegross8695]

Misty rose to her level due to her talent, nothing else. Her skill and attitude plus the countless hours of practice created her greatness. Nothing was given to her...She works for it.

[@katrinacarrico1267]

Honestly, I don't care if she is black or not. She at age 13 worked and worked and became a world class ballerina. She should be an example to everyone that if you work hard, your dreams can come true no matter who you are and where you come from.

[@annedashwood5619]

Misty Copeland is a big inspiration for me Because I see myself in her I started ballet classes 3 months ago and I am 12 I am the worst dancer in my class and I am brown Just like misty I was also (almost) rejected for not being a certain size But ballet is my life and I am not going to let anything stop me

[@Butterflier00]

HER MUSCLES!!!! AHHHHHH, SO BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED!!!!!

[@mxyasxn]

Who else read Misty Copeland's new autobio book she published, LIFE IN MOTION?? *it was AWESOME* Good job,Misty!

[@xtusvincit5230]

This is ridiculous. What about Janet Collins who was a black ballet dancer and choreographer? She was born in 1917 and her dance career was in the 30s and 40s?

[@alexdesanctis]

Joey Suggs people want a reason for conflict nowadays, liberals literally set everyone else up for an argument, most likely just for the sake of an argument.

[@giusepperesponte8077]

Liberalism is a political identity... Literally has absolutely nothing to do with what you're describing.

[@demes756]

Baron Ockslite Incorrect. Liberalism is about equality and liberty . You can obviously see how progressives can skew equality . In practice many are not liberals due to holding collectivist ideas . But if you see anyone thinking they are modern day justice and equality martyrs then they will identify as liberals since they inherently believe they are promoting equality . I identify as a classical liberal . Something more focused on the aspects of liberty and movement in a society .

[@tjp2109]

I think Misty is angry because her body type doesn't fit what's wanted in classical ballet. There's plenty of minorities in ballet. To think otherwise is absurd. Here she's talking about white people? Ballet is already diverse in skin color, but the body type is what companies discriminate against, because hello! It's dance and dancers need to resemble each other. I love to watch her dance, but to think she's more aesthetically pleasing than a prima ballerina that's lithe as a feather is just wrong. Her skin color doesn't impact the aesthetics at all. Misty is just a prima race baiter with a huge chip on her shoulder.

[@mjamitche5245]

Misty is the first Black Principal ballerina. Look it up. Clearly you don't know the dance world or you would know the difference. You're just here to troll.

[@misterburger9762]

had to watch this video for a school assignment it is such a good video

[@Luvelyhanni_]

Me too so crazy

[@GlamorGrowthTravelwithMica]

Love her story. It is the human story. She makes all women and people proud.

[@brandonrobinson716]

She a beautiful dancer, keep opening doors like so many before you.

[@scoobynicker]

Meh, she's okay. I'd give her a 5.5/10

[@trenae77]

This woman is beautiful! Confident, strong, healthy build, grace and poise; I applaud her goals for the future and pray that others like her will continue to braid and blend the world of Dance into something truly wonderful.

[@shayekisitu]

This woman is a work of art! Hooray for you Misty Copeland.

[@nataliepool1778]

I asked my mom about profesh ballerinas and she saw you and ever since that day I have looked up to you and said wow when I looked you up on the internet I love you misty

[@titusmatthews7154]

Congrats history is being made once again for the African American communities and Misty Copeland

[@jigglypuddin1345]

She was dancing the bluebird variation XD

[@Lily-ok7ep]

Me and my friend did a report on Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince in sixth grade🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Cadmus9501]

I understand your vision and dream, the reality is that valet is only for a very small and limited demographic, the rich and powerful enjoy the performance while the rest of the population ignore it.

[@makyhiawhite7486]

Hi misty copeland in my school we are doing a black history month project and I'm you for black history month so I'm dreesing up like a ballerina which is you I'm so excited and we are doing it this saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!😄😄😄😄😄

[@danieldorio6753]

Misty Copeland grew up in my home town and went to my high school see whenever I see her on KZbin or on a magazine cover it's super inspiring (even though I'm not into ballet)

[@realityshowrealness18]

SAME! Attended the same boys and girls club as well✨

[@marisaa.tamayo]

She is very amazing!! She's my inspiration to become a ballet dancer!!

[@wind7519]

Great, now can we do the same thing with the rap industry? Seems pretty exclusive as well unless you're black.

[@ToyzinaBoxnew]

WOW Misty is so inspiring. I love her!

[@manuelbranco173]

a stunningly beautiful women and ballet phenomena. perhaps the greatest personality in ballet since Rudolph Nureyev.

[@juliabeverly435]

She's so inspiring!!!

[@alexdesanctis]

Julia Beverly shut up

[@scoobynicker]

What is inspiring about it?

[@RC-go2kl]

+Carl Tuckerson Because she's black and female

[@NoticeMeTompai]

She truly is.

[@ToyzinaBoxnew]

Totally agree. so inspiring :)

[@barblynlaugh3068]

She is exquisite. Regardless her race, color or mixture.

[@neuralmute]

And her strength and tenacity make her even more radient!

[@danore2577]

BLESSINGS TO ALL YOU ALL LOVELY DOVES MAY YOU'RE VOICES BE HEARD LOUDLY YORE'S TRULY DANIEL ORE SHALUM MALARIA PEACES BE WITH YOU ALL LOVELY DOVES MAY YOU'RE VOICES BE HEARD MAY YOU INDORE AND INDEVER.

[@bobby24love]

Super special and amazing and right on time.

[@SonofSamhein]

She is BEAUTIFUL :0).

[@annielogan9529]

Congratulations Misty! So excited that you are now a Principle Dancer at ABT!

[@sandrahinds9368]

Share your passion and inspire others

[@ramiroreyes3600]

did i ask

[@ramiroreyes3600]

@Michio Yang lol

[@thegaminghershey6353]

I wish I was related to her my last name is Copeland and I love danceing

[@rewade70]

you go girl- Martin

[@Volvican]

The dialogue surrounding Misty - I find to be all a bit hyperbolic. As IF this is some grand burgeoning of the definition of what it is to be a ballerina. Ballerinas are some of the most highly trained athletes on this planet. They should not nor will they ever be representative of people generally. Misty may have a little more bust and some denser muscles here and there, but she still is a thin, incredibly lean freak of physicality - which all great ballerinas are.

[@allisonshea4641]

Volvican Well said. Their training is sick. Hardcore and disciplined. Wish that was recognized more than whether she is one color over another.

[@iliftthingsupandputthemdow4364]

Volvican No ballerinas are very talented but they have very little muscle and certainly aren't'freaks' in any way physically. Almost all are rail thin, so highly trained, yeah, physically special, not at all.

[@taoozkara5980]

Torres75 - Misty performed on a broken leg and still gave a stellar performance - no one knew. That, my friend, is Physically Special - and awesomely dedicated.

[@tjp2109]

She's incredible for sure, but not for classical ballet. Sorry, she's not going to break some huge barrier that's been formed though generations of lithe ballerinas. It's just reality. Everytime I hear her speak it's always about some grudge she has or angry she is about white people. I don't want to hear about your gripes, doesn't matter what your skin color is. This is dance, not a protest. I'm not sure how she gets work with that bad attitude. Maybe it's just when she's giving interviews, though. If I were a company director and she was talking like that in class, I'd fire her.

[@taoozkara5980]

TJP - Get over yourself. You are neither a psychic nor an accepted authority on the arts. You have no idea what the future holds for this or any other art form. Why is it that people like you like to harp on about black people being 'angry'? Black dancers in this country with talent who are constantly shoved to the back of the line for some BS reason might be angry and that anger would be justified and, if so, why should they need to constantly hide it in order to make you more comfortable? No, my friend, the days of grinning and giving a pass to oppression are over. You don't like it? TFB.

[@dezerismith7529]

she is really Beautiful

[@SIKE01]

I LOVE HER!!!

[@denisebracely6665]

I LOVE HER TO.123 go

[@PM-mz8ub]

God bless this is so true, I know exactly what this urgency is the drive. She is perfect.

[@bobnelson9480]

Time to start watching ballet......wow.

[@pchow-to502]

i dont remember watching this but apparently i did

[@jennieredrose5819]

she is so so awesome!!!

[@sp123]

Jennie RedRose iCarly looking azz

[@NicoleFranklin]

Misty made #ABT history today. #Ballet #Dance

[@nicholasjackson382]

Congratulations Misty!

[@nicholasjackson382]

Delage Eric What's wrong? She's black and you have a problem with that? Why? Oh that's right, because she's so damn talented, and that does not compute with that one brain cell of yours. Have a seat, and get off of this thread, creep.

[@NicoleFranklin]

+Nicholas Jackson Truth.

[@pianocricket64]

+Delage Eric......She identifies as black, you shitbrain!!! She IS black. Jealous, much????? LOL!

[@frankiefranklin5576]

pianocricket64. Thank you for your comment I appreciate you.

[@lovechild2852]

She's stunning 😍❤🙌🏿 #blackgirlmagic

[@vcoonrod]

I would love to be able to see her dance! Nothing is more beautiful than the ballet!

[@twoscoopz4944]

Still waiting for the rest of Misty's Odette/Black Swan's 32 fouettes (standard choreography) or did white people take them from her too?

[@moony77]

Misty inspires all. I love you, Misty💕

[@chardelraconner2166]

"That hasn't changed. Cope ecstatic aight" ©

[@melbytvenge]

Great n Very Talented Dancer.

[@GBSheridan]

She is exquisite

[@Rensune]

Ballet isn't racist, but they do Discriminate: against women with large chests. None of my friends with large breasts, no matter how talented and graceful, can get hired by Dance companies.

[@Aristocratic13]

Big Breast Matter

[@neuralmute]

They discriminate against women who have any body fat whatsoever. Not only did I never grow breasts, but I broke a hip at 16 from starving myself, because I could never be quite skinny enough for the ballet ideal. Really, most women just don't have the elongated, curveless body type that almost all companies have an aesthetic preference for, and it doesn't matter how well you dance if you don't have that look. A lot of girls end up with really scary eating disorders and lifelong injuries for that reason. That's why boundary breakers like Misty are so important.

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

Rensune I know a place hiring large breasted dancers. :-P

[@whovian4479]

This is completely true. I know I'm a bit on the heavier side so no Ballet school would even really want me to be in a beginner class... It's a shame really. I always wanted to dance Ballet..

[@Rensune]

emma pate I would still try to see if any Dance classes might take you. If anything else, there's Other styles of Dance. And it's a shame for Ballet, considering that anyone who practices it regularly will end up in Top physical shape

[@SkylarLux]

There's already much more diversity in ballet in England. Many of the soloists, first soloist and primas/main dancers are black, brown, asian, hispanic, etc in companies such as the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and the like.

[@rw9692]

Misty is absolutely beautiful!! What more could I say without crying!!!

[@Yesshecancan]

I love her.

[@abigailmccoy3971]

i think it was awsome im in gymnastics and ballay is like gymnasics right?

[@rileysimmons8814]

you were a person of the week because you had great determination you inspire me and others thank you

[@RAYRAY-yt3hz]

AMEN!

[@robertjones8260]

Gotta love the veiled racist comments and downvotes. 2017 and we're still dealing with 1957 mentalities.

[@vanessafrogge198]

healthy images are important

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

A LOT of white people: "I wish they would just stop talking about race and color... it doesn't matter... she's a dancer." Non-white people: "Uh who made up racial classifications and started denying value and opportunity to humans based on their skin color???" A lot of white people: *awkward silence* "But why always make it about race?" Non-white people: *collective shaking of their fucking heads*

[@TheBitBlock]

Ballet is a European art form and should stay that way.

[@maiterodriguez8173]

what is the song that plays at the beginning??

[@dawnd.5290]

Misty is such a talented dancer. I love that she encourages young girls.

[@princessgiana476]

I’m watching this because this if for school

[@Alex-lb6hp]

she dances gorgeously and just because she is African American does not stop her she can do what she wants to do! so you go girl!❤❤

[@elsypie9834]

She is not even that black what is she getting at? I'm not saying she isn't talented, hands down an amazing dancer.

[@joshuacook2]

I enjoy watching people be passionate about things I have no interest in. Coming from a mathematician (especially a pure mathematician), I often see people having a hard time understanding how my work is useful. Then I see this bizarre alternate universe where everyone think art is so fantastic and wonderful, when to me it seems so inconsequential. To each his own I suppose. Buts its great to see such passion for something so trivial. That is not to say I don't like the arts, but I think the average person likes them too much. So yeah, I enjoyed it.

[@morganearthman29]

She's an inspiration to all your dancers, such as myself.

[@ERrnesST]

Everyday is National Mens Day... except today :3

[@DaytonDDalton]

is Misty Copeland related to Adam?

[@gabrielacardona125]

shes beautiful talented and black amazing

[@PolKsio]

We are all one race, the human race. She is human.

[@samuelraji8343]

PolKsio Good job ignoring Science

[@Eliburgo]

screendesign once again back on your hateful racist shit again

[@brucedickinson7259]

Can someone please tell me what{s the song shes dancing to on minute 1:03 through 1:33 PLEASE

[@noblesetsentimentales]

It's Princess Florine's variation from the Bluebird Pas de deux of Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty".

[@gogirlgrow4106]

I LOVE MISTY COPELAND!!! thank you for the inspiration u hav consistently radiated. ur technique and leg strength(muscles) demonstrate power and extreme elegance. You r so beautiful. God bless u. :*

[@toodleloo2253]

Love watching her dance!~

[@Queenofcydonia2]

Whomever thumbed down this video Shit on you!!!! I said it!!

[@nappybunny8221]

The absolute ignorance in this comment section is literally making me ill. I give up on humanity.

[@derekseven1647]

Misty is Magical.

[@brandonrobinson716]

I don't why I read these horrible comments.I remember when being black wasn't about the percentage of African you had in you but more about how you carried yourself,your culture,your own individuality,and progress.Also you stood for those before and after you.Also racism does happen in America,it shouldn't becaues at the end, beginning, and middle of the day were all human.Plus mostly ever body in the world is mix with another race whether it be a high percentage or low.

[@dahliacecily]

Interesting all the directing choices that show a strong black and white dichotomy. The black and white film/filter, her black and white show.

[@wes1979]

The Blacks have always been great dancers.

[@brandonreina871]

Misty Copeland isn't the only African American to become a ballerina. Which African American girl surfed her way through the ocean waters? NO, IT'S NOT BETHANY HAMILTON.

[@mikebrown5561]

Happy False Statistics giving out about the pay gap which ignores how many hours a person works and what type of job they have Day.

[@dell5862]

Misty Copeland is not black, she is mixed. Her mom is Italian, her dad is black!!!! Check her DNA.

[@KrakkaJax]

dell5862 her dad is also not around. Shocking, I know.

[@robertjones8260]

Get Spun Your bias is showing.

[@KrakkaJax]

Robert Jones Facts are scary.

[@robertjones8260]

Get Spun Don't be a coward. I'd prefer open bias to veiled bias. At least that's honest.

[@KrakkaJax]

I mean I guess any reason is possible.

[@shaahidacarr2605]

Wow, it is shocking to hear how ignorant people are. The internet has really taken a toll on society as a whole. The hate, the jealousy, the bursts of segmented outrage are all unhealthy.

[@alexdesanctis]

Shaahida Carr shut up

[@notquam8672]

A -black- "multi racial" person doing something?? *What a hero*

[@min-ni7qo]

멋있다...

[@rekunta]

Phew. What a beautiful woman.

[@Ripsami]

I read her book Life In Motion

[@thanostitan5827]

she's just light enuff that media thinks she's black appropriate

[@PMinPhoenix]

Thanos titan truth

[@xboxbenny]

I wonder if TIME realizes that putting a black and white filter over this makes her look white af.

[@TheDaltonmichaels]

she never even mentioned her race once. Time magazine did. also skin color does not equal race, from what i have read she is half black half Italian or something like that. i still fail to see why it matters or how you came to that conclusion. If her DNA say shes half black than shes half black or to be truly correct (African) regardless of her skin color. no one Decided she was black enough you idiot. she is in fact half (African) which makes her an African American ballet dancer , not a black ballet dancer. your trolling hard with this one but i just cant decide if your being serious or not. Shes deserves credit as an highly accomplished dancer. stop trying to pry away her spotlight with your ignorant agenda.

[@Theonebaddude]

Ha ha ha

[@abdallaabdalla6209]

Thanos titan

[@Andarovin]

-As though anyone wasn't hiring because she was biracial? -As though there are lots of black women signing up to be ballerinas and being passed over? -As though there was some sort of "ceiling" ? -As though anyone cares about what race she is or needs her to *redefine* anything? One day I'll find this magical time machine that modern neo-marxists used to go back to the 60's.

[@wyatte5.9l63]

No joke me and her have the same last name

[@leannethomas7490]

My teacher told us to watch this

[@pongkong]

I like to imagine a chinese teacher telling her chinese students to watch this, or some video of a white girl doing traditional chinese dance. truly inspiring to imagine. lmao.

[@gabrielbizzlebop4702]

sooooo..... is this considered cultural appropriation. Cause she is directly appropriating white culture as a black women. Or is it only bad when white people do it? Being championed by society and respected publications like Time for being black in a white cultural realm... is a privilege.

[@adelaidelazarski6723]

My idol since 1st grade and also American ballet does discriminate. They judge you on your size and your school and everything. It isn't right, you are a person, you shouldn't have to be required to look like the perfect dancer to be one

[@tomasitaswick1711]

cool🧡👍

[@blackcobra689]

With that kind of title, it's the makers of this video that have injected race into this. Why can't people just produce a video of a woman with talent without making it racial?

[@MrFresco702]

Damn how this get so many dislikes ?

[@JamesWilliams-qn5cq]

Soooo Uhh-may-zing. Misty is just Duh Best !!!

[@michaelanaranjo]

So inspiring 🖤

[@gabrielacardona125]

good for her its about time

[@JonGee420]

#backtothekitchen

[@Raven1180]

Love our sisters crushing it. Yes skinny and white is not what it should be anyway. If only she knew that she wasn't a so called African American but a chosen people long ago punished for our sins by the Most High God. He is gathering us though. APTTMH!