I think, as a child, there weren't dreams. I can't recall as a child having some ultimate dream and thinking that it was possible. Misty Copeland childdreamrecall Change image and share on social
If the rhythm or beat of the music changes with a live orchestra, you have to think on your feet. If you feel like you are not on your leg, you have to make a decision to make it look as though nothing is going wrong. Misty Copeland beatdecisionfeel share on social
Being the only African American at this level in American Ballet Theater, I feel like people are looking at me, and it's my responsibility for me to do whatever I can to provide these opportunities in communities to be able to educate them. Misty Copeland africanamericanballet share on social
My first ballet class was on a basketball court. I'm in my gym clothes and my socks trying to do this thing called ballet. I didn't know anything about it. Misty Copeland balletbasketballcall Change image and share on social
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
When I was a little girl, I was incredibly shy. My hope was to blend in, to fit in, to not be noticed in any significant way. I was deeply insecure and unsure of myself. Misty Copeland blenddeeplyfit Change image and share on social
More often than we realize, people see in us what we don't see in ourselves. Misty Copeland peoplerealize Change image and share on social
That something that I fought so hard for throughout the beginning of my career is I didn't want to pancake my skin a lighter color to fit into the... ballet. I wanted to be myself. I didn't want to have to wear makeup that made my nose look thinner. Misty Copeland balletbegincareer share on social
I love heels. I'm 5-foot-2, and I like feeling tall. Misty Copeland feltfootheel Change image and share on social
At least in my performances, the audience has become so diverse in a way that I don't think ballet has ever experienced. Misty Copeland audienceballetdiverse Change image and share on social
