Misty Copeland
It’s no wonder Misty Copeland is a role model for countless aspiring ballerinas. Misty didn’t take her first dance class until age 13, at the local Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, CA. Her natural strength and flexibility, plus a killer work ethic, meant she advanced quickly, and in 2000 she joined American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company. Misty became a member of ABT’s corps de ballet in 2001 and was promoted to soloist in 2007. Not afraid to think outside the ballerina box, Misty toured with Prince in 2011 and has made numerous TV appearances, including in a Dr. Pepper commercial last year. Now her followers can find inspiration in her book, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, which describes the ups and downs of her journey, including what it’s like to be one of the few black dancers in the ballet world. Get your copy of Life in Motion via amazon.com and bookstores March 4—and read on for The Dirt. —RZ
Misty Copeland in La Bayadère (Photo by Rosalie O’Connor)
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
Cookies
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Music
Who would play you in a movie?
Willow Smith
What’s your dream role?
Juliet…today. It changes all the time.
What’s the strangest thing in your dance bag?
Men’s Cologne. I prefer it to women’s.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RULING THE WORLD. Just kidding. LOL. Retiring from dance, traveling, having a family, continuing to diversify classical ballet.
What’s your most embarrassing onstage moment?
Falling on my face—which I’ve done too many times.
What have been your proudest career moments so far?
Dancing Firebird, helping bring Project Plié to fruition.
What’s your advice for
Dance Spirit readers?
Surround yourself with people who will support you. It’s OK to accept help and advice!