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
Though I have tremendous support from lots of people, there are so many others waiting to tear me down. Misty Copeland lotpeoplesupport Change image and share on social
I am a black woman, and my experiences would not be what they are if I wasn't. I'm so happy to share those experiences for other people to be able to learn from them. Misty Copeland blackexperiencehappy Change image and 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
When I was 16, I moved to Torrance, California to train at a more advanced studio, and by 19, I joined the American Ballet Theatre in New York. It all happened so fast - it was pretty unheard of that someone could train for so few years and become a professional at one of the most elite dance companies in the United States. Misty Copeland advanceamericanballet 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
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