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 didn't want to be the best at anything; I just wanted to blend in. And that was kind of my existence throughout my family experiences at home of just kind of blending in in the background through my other siblings, which was easy to do. Misty Copeland backgroundblendeasy 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
40 years old is about the time a principal dancer would start to think about retirement, but some go on to dance a little bit longer than that. Misty Copeland bitedancedancer Change image and share on social
I'm definitely influenced by the music. We dance to music, and you have to listen to it and phrase your dancing and movement in a certain way to compliment the music. We have to work hand in hand, the dancer and the music. Misty Copeland complimentdancedancer 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
Whenever there was chaos in my house, whether it was arguing, being in a cramped space with all of us kids and screaming, I found an empty space where I could just put music on and move. Misty Copeland arguechaoscramp Change image and share on social
Every time I dance, I'm trying to prove myself to myself. Misty Copeland danceprovetime Change image and share on social
All you can do is be your best self. I've always felt that I had to be that much more aware of how I present myself. I'm representing more than just me. I think every person should think that way. Misty Copeland awarefelthave 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