In the ballet studio, it was such an organized and disciplined environment, like I'd never had in my life. Seeing myself in the mirror, surrounded by the classical music, that's when I started to fall in love with dance. Misty Copeland balletclassicaldance share on social
As a child, I had been told that I was exactly what a ballerina should be. Misty Copeland ballerinachildtell Change image and share on social
I don't eat a ton of pasta or bread. But I eat dessert almost every night, and I drink. You need a bit of balance, and I've found mine. Misty Copeland balancebitebread Change image and share on social
I think body-image issues are not just a dancer thing. I think we're much more in tune and aware because the body is our instrument and art, and we stare at ourselves in a mirror all day, but I feel like it's something that every woman experiences and every girl experiences. Misty Copeland artawarebody share on social
I wake up every morning, and I go to ballet class no matter what's going on the night before. That's my priority, and that's what makes me feel sane and not removed from the realities of my world. Misty Copeland balletclassfeel Change image and share on social
Finding ballet gave me passion for the first time in my life. I was always very shy and just wanted to fit in; I never daydreamed about what I wanted to be when I grew up. But dancing gave me a connection to my personality that made me grow. Misty Copeland balletconnectiondance share on social
Every time I dance, I'm trying to prove myself to myself. Misty Copeland danceprovetime Change image and share on social
Ballet found me, I guess you could say. I was discovered by a teacher in middle school. I always danced my whole life. I never had any training, never was exposed to seeing dance, but I always had something inside of me. I would love to choreograph and dance around. Misty Copeland balletchoreographdance share on social
I had always been proud of my body - its strength and grace enabled me to pursue my passions. Misty Copeland bodyenablegrace Change image and share on social
I feel like going to class every morning is so humbling. You're always working to improve, and you're always being critiqued on your next performance. It's not about what you've done. There's always room to grow. Misty Copeland classcritiquefeel share on social