Misty Copeland: An Unlikely Ballerina's Story

Ballerina and author of the instant New York Times bestseller "Life in Motion," Misty Copeland, drops by the studio to discuss her unlikely story of becoming America's most famous ballerina. Misty discusses her journey as an African American ballerina, beginning with her "being found" at a local boys and girls club by a teacher offering opportunities to less-fortunate kids. A natural born talent, Misty Copeland was able to do numerous variations almost instantly. Of course, being a black ballerina presented many obstacles for Misty to overcome but following other ballerina role models she was able to forge her own path and become the first black ballerina to become the "principal ballerina" at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
Her book "Life in Motion" opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world’s most iconic ballets. It is heartfelt, inspiring, and a must read-check it out today: www.simonandsc...
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[@catherinecarterart]

She's an inspiration not only to little brown girls. I'm a 52-year-old white woman who's a painter. There are many, many talented artists out there competing for few slots in galleries, as grant recipients, etc. Whenever I get discouraged, I think of Misty and I resolve never to give up.

[@nkeiruka5930]

catherinecarterart you should watched Kareem Waris Olamilekan. He started painting when he was six year old now he's thirteen years old. In 2018 France President went to Nigerian. He drew a amazing picture. It was so amazing just to hours. You can check it out.

[@bellakim9169]

:) !!!!

[@JJBTexas1]

I am a muscle ballerina. I thought that because of my legs that my dream would not come true. But I watch you and I have confidence in myself! And now I'm going to GKA's trading program!! Thank you so much!! I am truly grateful!!!

[@samuelgutierrez509]

So has your dream come true yet

[@oingoboingo8849]

Why do 98% of the comments obsess about her race? Divided between "she is not black enough" or bigoted racist comments that she is "too black". The only issue I am interested in her talent and balletic abilities. Does anyone posting moronic comments even acknowledge how incredibly hard it is for ANY ballet dancer to be a soloist or principal dancer at American Ballet Theater? This is a world class ballet company with brutally competitive , nearly impossible high standards to achieve to be hired for this ballet company. The WORST thing about 98% of posts do not bother to mention her phenomenal artistic ability. For the record, she is biracial, so get over it.......why not just WATCH her dancing ballet instead of playing the race card and posting racist rants? She does mention the issue of race in this clip since less than 1% of professional ballet companies hire black dancers. A tiny infintessimal smattering of Asian/Hispanic ballet dancers and almost NO black ballet dancers, so it stands to reason Misty Copeland would mention her race in this segment. I followed her career and she does NOT try to play the race card and never makes a big issue of race. She is focused on ballet and artistry.

[@3sedavis]

KZbin sorts the comments now based on number of replies rather than likes; this favors comments that get the trolls going. Change your sort to Newest first and you get a more reasonable picture of people's responses.

[@karmakomodia]

People obsess about her color of skin because they are ignorant goons.. It's their nature.. They are mutant humanoids who eat dog doo doo... ( you are what you eat they say)

[@jewelmarkess]

Oingo Boingo This is exactly what I thought when I read the comments here. I wonder if people here who make the comments even bothered to watch her dance.

[@CinnamonIce]

Haters will hate. F their noise. Focusing on the beautiful sounds in the world :)

[@myronschabe]

The thing is, in this interview she talks about it out of the gate and how she thought it was a real obstacle. I think what should be talked about is how even big breasted women or of a certain height etc. would be dissuaded from the top ranks of her profession....so I don't think it is just skin color...it is such a precise discipline and thus I think they hyper control the body types they think of as acceptable...it is really just an excercise in changing perception....she is certainly talented enough that she has done that.

[@emeraldsandrubies]

I love Misty Copeland's book, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina's Story. I want the story to go on forever! All the best to Misty Copeland!

[@TheDuchess2009]

Strange, I never saw her as color. I just saw her as an inspiration. She is beautiful and very talented.

[@sharpaycutie2]

Why not? She's onviously nlack and in a world where Visual Is everything, her color speaks volumes for the rest of us. Her color means everything than a anothrr white ballerina. And by u saying tht your saying you dont wish to aknowlage her skin color is really saying its a problem. she cant escape it so why should you get to?

[@TheDuchess2009]

sharpaycutie2 Can you see what color my skin is through the internet? By the way, I am of ethnic minority if you didn't know. All my own accomplishments have nothing to my skin color. Growing up with people of different color and ethnic backgrounds in my family and community, I was always taught it's not what someone looks like on the outside. We all are human beings who bleed the same color of blood. To me, I see her with great talent. If you want to define people as just color that's your choice. My family have taught me regardless of what your skin color or appearance, you should treat others as equal. Respect.

[@lovely1foru]

TheDuchess2009 not the point

[@jewelmarkess]

sharpaycutie2 I think you are misinterpreting the words of the original poster. IMHO she simply meant that she views Misty as an artist as someone of great talent and accomplishment. I wonder - did you even watch her dance? Why not talk about her as an artist? It's super-difficult to become a ballet dancer, it requires talent, exceptionally hard work and sacrifice, much less starting at the age of 13 which is so late for ballet, it's incredible how she did it. ABT is the top company in the US. Getting any job there is very hard, much less becoming a soloist (and likely to be promoted to principal next year). Why should everyone pay attention to color which is barely visible under the stage's bright lighting anyway. Look at the video of her taking bows in Romeo and Juliet and see if you even notice her color. Most comments here are about color, hardly any comment that talks about her as a dancer.

[@yolandamartinez-sanmiguel6067]

But insisting on not seeing her race, which is the topic of the video, is dismissing her experience. Why would anyone want to do that?

[@kyleejoyoung8100]

I'm 14 and starting ballet I hope I can make in to history my story could already I hope I can inspire people one day.

[@marysayer8471]

To have this sort of dedication to her craft is nothing short of amazing. Such a beautiful person and an amazing dancer. All you haters out there should try and do what she does. Irrespective of whether she is white or black what an amazing thing to do. Coming from being a 13 year old being rejected for not fitting a certain model of what a ballerina should look like to where she is now.she deserves ever accolade she gets.

[@ViciousBeautyNYC]

we LOVE you,Misty!

[@ashleysommers2661]

The incredibly sad thing about all of these ridiculously ignorant comments is that nobody is focused on who Misty Copeland is as not only a ballerina/athlete but as a human. For any HUMAN this kind of accomplishment takes hard work and complete 110% dedication. The fact that she is a certain skin color should be irrelevant but its not because our society sucks.

[@messageboard6490]

It should be irrelevant, true, however it's not. Copeland is bringing up her race as an issue because she is setting HISTORY in the day and age being a black woman. Are you black? If not, you won't ever understand what she herself is talking about (RACE and being a BLACK WOMAN) in her industry doesn't seem to be the case. Now that she is doing it, she is setting the pavement for other black women to follow. Same with Tiger Woods, not too many black men in professional golf, same with Williams sister in Tennis, in this day and age it just goes to show how black people are still struggling in this white world since slavery......that's all. It's reality, accept it.

[@PandaKacang96]

She's amazing. ☺

[@priceless2020]

Good morning, beautiful video. May I have permission to use it for a presentation at my church live stream? We will give credit to you. Thank you

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

Misty provides valuable inspiration for many who may be interested in pursuing the same career. Annalope out...

[@lavozquevuela]

you are a great dancer and person.

[@abside30glu]

Misty Copeland: An Unlikely Ballerina's Story Published on 13 Feb 2014 Learn more about Life in Motion at books.simonandschuster.com/Lif... Misty Copeland discusses her inspiring and at times heartbreaking journey to become the third African-American soloist in the history of the American Ballet Theatre. Category Entertainment Licence Standard KZbin Licence AUG 28, 2014

[@OneantasTossGreathouse]

i worked with her mother sylvia ... she loves her kids and is a great mom ... she did a great job with her children

[@hottiemie]

I'm a dancer who's a regular American Ballet Theater-goer and frankly was very surprised to find out she's black -- by reading about it. It's not obvious at all from the audience. And when I saw her pictures online I thought she could be Hispanic. Are ballet dancers who look Hispanic held back in their careers JUST BECAUSE of their skin color? I have no doubt Misty Copeland, who has one white parent, believes her "blackness" is a big issue. Thanks to her publicist, she has made that a selling point to the ignorant masses who go "wow" at the sight of anything ballet dancers do. A friend of mine who has been in ballet class with Misty and likes her, also said she's "almost white" and has gorgeous legs but no special qualities that stand out. At this point, what defines Misty Copeland is her "black ballerina" label, NOT her dancing, which deserves no position above soloist in a major company like ABT. I hope she will prove otherwise this year.

[@myronschabe]

I am not a ballet affincianado so can't comment to her talent aside from the fact she seems incredibly talented to me, though certainly have to agree with you since she is bi-racial she certainly seems to identify and focus on the half of her that is black but she certainly does not 'read' as black from afar...even her hair type is not afro-esque, which is probably one of the bigger deals relative to ballet....I think it is just that ballet is so precise, it does not 'have room' for many 'irregularities', big boobs, too short etc. etc. etc. I love her avant garde stuff...but, I am sure, I would like a lot of other artists as well. Her 'rags to riches' story is captivating anyway you look at it though, with prodigy talent from early on.

[@jamilaajazi]

How is she half black when she has two black parents. There's 16 shades of "Black" but of course the blind deaf and dumb will never understand. It amazes me how ignorant ppl can be just because of the simple fact that she embraces herself as black ballerina . But you all would rather her be something else beside black because you all are threatened by the fact that this amazing black women is killing it in classical ballet and is opening so many doors for other black dancers😎

[@lordoftheringsloverforever4797]

I am reading these posts and all I can think is…What the H difference does it make what color she is are what her racial makeup is? She is a phenomenal ballet dancer. I think that instead of the insipid Isabelle American Girl Doll they should have made one of her. She is a strong role-model for girls of all heritages or color.

[@sjp4u338]

She’s magnificent.

[@PicksUpChatter]

"Black," "Black," "Black!" "White," "White," "White!" It's great that you're gifted Misty, but those of us who are not Black, Black, Black, or White, White, White ARE fed-up of hearing your BS of Turning Talents into A-Blacks-Have-The-Same-Talents-As-Whites, As If It's Just A ... Black & White World Only. Everyone Else In Between Like Myself or Asians CAN'T ... Associate w/ur Message, Misty. Do u know how many times The World has to hear this same message from Blacks: That we have the capacity, talents, powers & gifts, and should be included. Ms.AnaMO FEELS the same way about her own heritage: Puerto Ricans! How about Native Americans? Or Asians? Most of Media PROJECTS Black, Black, Black & White, White, White Issues Only as if u have not encountered any other race & as if there are not those of us who would love to see relevant program shows or series consisting of anything other than Black or White. The Rest of Us Americans Are Fed-up w/ur Exclusive Race Message.

[@RinnyRin69]

Love, Misty. I've been following her career since she was a kid. The debate here about her race is telling, though. People here don't seem to realize that 'black' (and 'white' by extension) is an economic and political definition, not a necessarily a racial one. Blackness and whiteness are ethnically meaningless. There are no 'black' or 'white' genes. Copeland does have an ethnically diverse heritage as most African Americans do, but she also has just enough African heritage and the stereotypical associated phenotype to associate her with the political class 'black'. Why this is so you'd have to go back to slavery and when it was economically and socially necessary for slave owners to categorize mixed race children as black, thus the 'one drop rule.' That rule didn't go away with slavery. Look at ballerina Raven Wilkinson, or even actresses like Freddie Washington or Lena Horn, for example. Added to that is Copeland's upbringing, association, experience, and socialization--all from a 'black' perspective. Your personal thoughts on her race dwarf to her day to day experience. My mother is mixed and can pass for white but identifies as black because her entire upbringing was around black people. It had nothing to do with denying her white half. She just has no relationship with it. And she gets upset when people question her 'authenticity' as a black woman. I imagine Copeland goes through the same thing from time to time.

[@ellafgross]

amazing!

[@ellieleong9053]

A person's race or ethnicity is whatever they themselves define it to be. All arguments are invalid.

[@margaritacazares880]

I read your book i love you

[@Vpoller]

Very impressed ;)

[@kaneshas4921]

Good video

[@deboraharmstrong3002]

I've never understood the attitude of Not Dark Enough....on the other hand, I don't understand Not White Enough either. I believe that if Ms. Copeland can learn the choreography, she should be allowed to dance the role, whether the role in question is the Firebird, The White Swan, Giselle, or the Sta-puft Marshmallow man!

[@MsMstwilightfan]

im reading life in motion

[@carebear6833]

What was the song used throughout the video?

[@sandraguillaume1140]

I like baley dancers too when I do balley I look a princess and beautiful star diamond

[@DorinaFekete]

You're awesome, just keep going!:)

[@sspur2034]

I am so upset that little black girls don't start out being so proud of their heritage, looks and talents. All girls should, ethnic or not. If she said she was Hispanic, Greek, Cuban I wouldn't be surprised or care one way or the other. Don't let the ethnic girl in your life know that she isn't the very best there is, to begin with. Love this girl -Misty!

[@nuttyworldrut8755]

+Harley Su Yeah, that's the EXACT same thing a FAMOUS disgruntled female tennis player said about Venus and Serena Williams getting so many sponsors when they hit the scene (and beyond - they still get commercials and are spokespersons, and where is that hater?). WOW, ...so when NON-African American people get praise and publicity for their talent and hard work they deserve it, but when African Americans get praise and publicity for their talent and hard work it is ONLY because of THEIR RACE??? And again ...WOW!!!!

[@harleysu5644]

I really like Misty but honestly, if it wasn't for her race, she wouldn't have gotten so much publicity, she would just be like another ballerina, regardless of when she started ballet

[@nuttyworldrut8755]

+Harley Su Yeah, that's the EXACT same thing a FAMOUS disgruntled female tennis player said about Venus and Serena Williams getting so many sponsors when they hit the scene (and beyond - they still get commercials and are spokespersons, and where is that hater?). WOW, ...so when NON-African American people get praise and publicity for their talent and hard work they deserve it, but when African Americans get praise and publicity for their talent and hard work it is ONLY because of THEIR RACE??? And again ...WOW!!!!

[@harleysu5644]

Nutty World Rut I'm not saying she doesn't deserve her accomplishments, she work hard to get where she is now and she deserves all the praise she gets. I'm just saying you don't see another principal of ABT get so much interview and publicity, but of course it's because misty went through so much obstacles (including being discriminated because of her race) and became a principal ANYWAY, thats why she gets more attention from the press sorry if I sounded rude

[@MrPongi08]

Ok people google Susie Guillory Phipps, she is white but on her birth certificate it say she is black and she identify herself as white. I want to hear what everyone has to say on her story

[@anotherplebian]

Who cares what race or nationality she is? She's amazing and has more talent in her little finger than any of us sitting here typing comments.

[@MrTheTruf]

she does and little black girls like her do.

[@lordoftheringsloverforever4797]

The last comment is from LordoftheRingsloverforever's Mom

[@victoriawebb6629]

Why people only think if you have dark skin ...that mean your black...which isn't true ....being African American does not mean your skin is dark...or brown.... Its your culture or your beliefs or your heritage that make u black

[@emelyd_6237]

Misty i have you book

[@TheMarapasa]

why are all of the comments about race....and I don't know if you've heard but it's not what you say I am, it's what I say I am!

[@jens.1017]

Wtf does ethnicity have to do with ability? I've never done ballet but I certainly appreciate it. Misty is an incredible dancer!

[@neotenymedia8708]

How do you define whos black? Cuz this girl obviously has more Caucasian ancestry than African.......I guess if you have ANY amount of African blood, you must be black.

[@MrPongi08]

If she claims to be black then let her. I'm sure if she wasn't famous you wouldn't welcome her into your house even as a mixed person for the mere fact she part black

[@glenorourke2823]

I did not no that

[@faclon11236]

Shes hot

[@luckyluke4712]

Someone should bring her attention to the fact that modesty is a virtue, and she might try to practice it occasionally.

[@midnitefairy]

She looks Hispanic is she mixed?

[@MrTheTruf]

nope light-skinned black.

[@MrTheTruf]

MrTheTruf we come in different colors.

[@angiemaq]

MrTheTruf HAHAHAHAHA.....not to mention that she stated at the beginning of the video that being Black has certainly been an obstacle.....

[@midnitefairy]

Many people who are black and mixed still identify themselves as being just black that's why I asked. She's African American, German and Italian so my assumption of her being mixed was correct.

[@MrTheTruf]

Hardly "mixed" is usually a term for a combination of two races. Her mom was biracial. If you look at the genetic make-up, she's mostly African-American.

[@ReanCombrinck]

She might be African American, but certainly not black. Theres a rather mixed racial heritage over the ages in the US. My black friends here in Africa would agree.

[@messageboard6490]

When she herself identifies as being a black woman, what is your beef with accepting what SHE is saying about herself? To question it is pure STUPIDITY! Why do black people always have to prove something to people non-black? Copeland said it and therefore she knows who she is, ACCEPT IT dummy.

[@ReanCombrinck]

Cause dummy, black has to do with genetics, not oppinions. So if I was a white boy that chilled with some black guys and followed the same culture or whatnot, and suddenly call myself "black", ill get hate from white and black people alike, because? Because THAT is really pure stupidity! Black people dont have to prove smack to non-black people, in fact the very reason Im saying this is because half of my friends are REALLY black. Home grown out of Africa black. If she says shes black then sure she says that, cause in the US anyone with an ancient heritage that in between all the inter racial births has some black blood, is suddenly BLACK. I simply say no, why should that even be applicable??? Hmmm? Shes a good ballerina and whatnot! Thats the thing! Not her race, which I say is mis put in anyways (albeit irrelevant to the topic). So are you happy now? Did I spell it out clearly enough? Sorry my first language isnt American, so it might be hard to get, and it isnt english either, but Im sure you know how to read it. You people are so full of crap. Want to make a damn racial issue about every little thing. Even my black friends laugh at your pious comments sister.

[@karmakomodia]

Are Jamaican blacks.. the right kind of BLACK..? What about the Black people from Haiti? Are they REAL Blacks or psuedo wanna be Blacks..? Not every black person is from Africa. Why is there a contest?

[@ReanCombrinck]

Its not a contest and its not about Jamaicans either? :/ Black isnt better or worst than not being black. This is simply about heriatage, and why the hell they chose to make her (the dancers) race such a prominent part of the whole thing around her abilities. Everyone says "Oooh shes the first black ballerina to achieve all this" which is cute for motivation and all, but slightly patronising to black people, and evn more so considering she doesnt even have a solid black heriatage...

[@karmakomodia]

Rean Combrinck That I can understand Rean.. I can see how that would be slightly patronizing for black people. But still, I question your declaration that she requires a solid black heritage to qualify for being not BLACK enough.. Do you see the duplicity in your comment? She doesn't qualify to be the first REAL BLACK ballerina because she is not BLACK ENOUGH?...hmmmmm