Right about now I feel like the prince who found the girl that owns these feet and literally wore these slippers:
The one on the left being journey and the one on the right being the destination of her right now!
Despite the odds stacked against her, still, with persistence, fluidity and precision, Misty Copeland, 32, has probably danced her way through many a days that (unbeknownst to her audience), felt and looked like the foot on the left.
Now, the famous ballerina is standing tall-in first position-and will be demi-plie’ing her way into history books as the first African American ballerina arabesque’ing and frappe’ing in as principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
Just yesterday, after 14 years with ABT, Copeland was promoted-after having spent eight of those fourteen years as a soloist.
As with the sport of ice skating, and tennis, ballet (tap, modern, jazz) can be quite the challenge for the African American girl to rise in its elite ranks. Any in those fields can enlighten you on their experiences and challenges.
Known for being outspoken about the lack of diversity and representation in the American Ballet Theatre and the elite field of dance altogether, Copeland’s time has come and she did just that: Made the cover [of Time magazine]–after years of showing and proving.
As well, Misty is the subject of a documentary screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. In addition to her feats, film features and triumphs after years of both joy and pain balanced on her dancing feet, Copeland also became the first African American woman to star in “Swan Lake” with the American Ballet Theatre.
Pirouettes x congrats are an order!
“My fears are that it could be another two decades before another black woman is in the position that I hold with an elite ballet company. What if I don’t rise to principal, people will feel I have failed them.”
She coped. Misty is nowhere near blue (or a failure).
And right about now: She’s on point (literally)!
(You’d have to be/have been a dancer to understand that one)
Go Misty Copeland!
Bad!
Scroll to the top of the OSF big screen, tap in and play this for Misty with me.
One of my favorite classic movies, moments in it, and song.
Lyrics: Perfect.
Her moment: Now.
Spitfire .
Media Maestro .
Writing Rhinoceros .
