Watch Misty Copeland and Brooklyn Mack Rehearse Swan Lake

April 7, 2015

Tomorrow night’s the night: American Ballet Theatre soloist (and all-around ballet superstar) Misty Copeland will appear as Odette/Odile for the first time in the U.S., dancing with The Washington Ballet alongside the equally brilliant Brooklyn Mack.

Copeland and Mack as Odette and Prince Siegfried (Theo Kossenas, courtesy TWB)

Why is this especially exciting? (Aside from the fact that these are two amazing artists performing one of the world’s most iconic ballets, which is thrilling in itself?) Because it is, unfortunately, incredibly rare for two dancers of color to play the leads in Swan Lake. It’s an historic moment.

You can read Copeland, Mack and Washington Ballet artistic director Septime Webre’s comments on the milestone performance in our April issue. And those of you itching to see the Copeland-Mack partnership in action are also in luck: Webre has posted a rehearsal clip to Facebook, and it’s about as fantastic as you’d hope. Take a look—and get your Swan Lake tickets here.

Misty Copeland and Brooklyn Mack rehearsing Black Swan while the beautiful Evermay chamber orchestra plays on. Everyone is really dancing their best just now. I am super-proud of the whole company! We open Thursday night – exciting!