Misty Copeland on Trailblazing the Ballet World and Having No Regrets

Misty Copeland is the truest definition of the trailblazer, most notably making history as the first Black woman to be promoted to a Principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. After 25 years with the company, she took her final bow last fall...and yet her life’s work has only just begun.

Through the Misty Copeland Foundation and her role on the boards of Lincoln Center and other arts institutions, Misty today has a seat at the table to drive change and create a more inclusive future for all dancers. She joins us to share how, and takes us through her singular career journey.

0:00 - Introduction

2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement

3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode

6:50 - Discovering Dance at 13

10:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life

16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre

23:15 - Moving to New York at 17

24:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice?

29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT

33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion