I think all dancers are control freaks a bit. We just want to be in control of ourselves and our bodies. That's just what the ballet structure, I think, kind of puts inside of you. Misty Copeland balletbitebody Change image and share on social
I was the first person in my family who was ever interested in dance, or fine art of any kind for that matter - I came from a very humble beginning in San Pedro, California. Misty Copeland artbegincalifornia Change image and share on social
Most ballerinas take their first ballet class when they are 5 or 6 years old. I was 13 when I took mine on the basketball court of the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club in California. Misty Copeland ballerinaballetbasketball 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 think that the ideal physique and look of a ballerina is always changing with different eras. And it's continuing to change. Misty Copeland ballerinachangecontinue Change image and share on social
My family didn't have very much money, so ballet wasn't even on my radar; I just found it randomly when I was 13 at a Boys & Girls Club. We were practicing in a basketball court in gym clothes with some old socks on. Even though it terrified me at first, I found that I really liked it. Misty Copeland balletbasketballboy share on social
My childhood is a part of my story, and it's why I'm who I am today and why my career is what it is. Misty Copeland careerchildhoodpart Change image and share on social
I have the opportunity, which most people don't experience nearly as much, of being in front of a mirror up to 10 hours a day. Staring at your body, you really get to know every little detail of how to make yourself look your best. Misty Copeland bodydaydetail share on social
Perseverance has always just been something that was in me. And it was a tool that came in very handy as a ballerina. Misty Copeland ballerinahandyperseverance 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