Misty Copeland

Discover the life and career of Misty Copeland—American trailblazing ballerina and author. Explore her biography from a late start at 13 to ABT principal, her milestones, books, activism, and a curated list of famous Misty Copeland quotes.

Introduction

Misty Danielle Copeland (born September 10, 1982) is the American ballerina who turned a late start into a landmark career. On June 30, 2015, she became the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the United States’ “big three” classical companies. Her rise—powered by discipline, artistry, and advocacy—expanded ballet’s idea of who belongs on its biggest stages. Today, the life and career of Misty Copeland continue to influence dancers, readers, and brands worldwide.

Early Life and Family

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Copeland was raised in San Pedro, California, in a large family led by her mother, Sylvia DelaCerna. Money was scarce, and at one point the family lived in a motel. At 13, a free ballet class at the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club changed everything; teacher Cynthia Bradley quickly recognized her gifts and began training her at the San Pedro Dance Center. Within months, Copeland was en pointe—a rare acceleration that foreshadowed a prodigious ascent.

A custody dispute between her mother and teachers followed two years later, thrusting a teenager into headlines even as her talent blossomed. The turmoil didn’t stop her momentum; by 15 she won the Music Center Spotlight Award in Los Angeles and soon earned top summer scholarships.

Youth and Education

Copeland attended San Pedro High School while deepening her dance studies. She trained at San Francisco Ballet School and later at ABT’s Summer Intensive on full scholarship, where she was named ABT’s National Coca-Cola Scholar (2000)—early recognition from the very company she would someday lead.

Career and Achievements

Joining ABT and Breaking Barriers

Copeland joined American Ballet Theatre and climbed the ranks, earning major roles that showcased her speed, line, and musicality. In June 2015 ABT promoted her to principal dancer, the first Black woman to achieve that rank in the company’s 75-year history—a milestone widely reported across major outlets.

Historic Roles and Stage Highlights

• Swan Lake (Odette/Odile): Her 2015 Met performance as the Swan Queen drew rapt reviews and standing ovations.

• Firebird and other repertory: After a 2012 stress-fracture surgery, she returned to spotlight roles, underscoring her resilience.

• Broadway: A brief turn in On the Town (2015) displayed her crossover appeal.

• Film: As the Ballerina Princess in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018), she introduced classical dance to new audiences.

Beyond the Stage—Books, Media, and Advocacy

Copeland’s Under Armour partnership became a cultural moment; her 2014 “I Will What I Want” ad went viral, framing rejection letters against her virtuosity and changing how athletic brands portray women. She later fronted the company’s Rule Yourself campaign.

As an author, she’s written bestsellers across genres: the memoir Life in Motion, fitness and mindset guide Ballerina Body, and children’s books including Firebird, Bunheads, Black Ballerinas, and more. A new middle-grade title, Letters to Misty, was announced for 2025.

In 2022 she and her husband Olu Evans quietly welcomed their first child, a son—another chapter in a life she keeps thoughtfully private.

Historical Milestones & Context

Copeland’s ascent coincided with wider conversations about representation and body diversity in elite ballet. Beginning ballet at 13—far later than the norm—and navigating a profession long dominated by Eurocentric aesthetics, she reframed expectations by succeeding on her own terms. Her promotion, media presence, and honesty about setbacks (including injury and body shaming) made her a touchstone for change far beyond the arts.

Legacy and Influence

Copeland’s impact lives on in studios and boardrooms. She helped expand ballet’s audience through mainstream platforms (from Prince collaborations to Disney features) and catalyzed diversity initiatives. In 2022, she launched the Misty Copeland Foundation’s BE BOLD program—free, introductory ballet for children in under-resourced communities—modeled on the Boys & Girls Club class that launched her own journey.

Personality and Talents

Copeland is both exacting and generous—an athlete-artist who pairs bravura turns with clear storytelling. Offstage she projects warmth and steadiness, often crediting mentors and community, and using her platform to open doors for the next generation.

Famous Quotes of Misty Copeland

(Short, widely cited lines; sources noted when available.)

• “Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed.”

• “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”

• “Finding ballet was like finding this missing piece of myself.”

Note: Many popular quotations circulate via compilations; where possible, consult Copeland’s own books and interviews for definitive wording and fuller context.

Lessons from Misty Copeland

1. Start where you are. A late start need not be a life sentence—Copeland began at 13 and rewrote what “on time” means.

2. Turn setbacks into structure. Injury and rejection forced better habits; she returned to headline roles after surgery.

3. Own the narrative. From Life in Motion to viral ads, she shaped how audiences see ballet—and who it’s for.

4. Build the pipeline. Her BE BOLD program translates personal opportunity into community access.

5. Stand for more than medals. Principal status mattered not only artistically but symbolically, widening ballet’s horizon.

Conclusion

The life and career of Misty Copeland prove that excellence and inclusion can advance together. From a gym class at a Boys & Girls Club to principal at ABT, from injury rehab to Broadway and Disney, she has turned discipline into possibility and visibility into responsibility. Explore more famous sayings of Misty Copeland and keep her example close: start where you are, bring others with you, and dance the door open for those who follow.

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