American Ballet Theatre names first African-American principal dancer

7But the talented dancer’s journey to making history was hardly easy.

Copeland began ballet at the age 13, which is a late start for most dancers of her caliber.

“In that way, she is a model for all young girls”, Olympic gold medal gymnast Nadia Comaneci wrote in Time.

Under Armour released a statement, saying, “Under Armour is incredibly proud of Misty, who continues to break barriers and change the world’s view of what it means to be a world-class ballerina”. She has been a breath of fresh air to the world of dance.

Drawing large crowds and reigniting a sense of wonder within the conventional parameters of the ballet world, Misty has found herself dancing in leading roles with the public vocalizing their appreciation and admiration for her journey to this point-and beyond. Nevertheless, Copeland defied these circumstances and continued to train.

“It’s weird for minorities”, she wrote, “even just to buy tickets to the ballet”.

“Thank you so, so much for your support”.

“I’m here to be a vessel for all these brown ballerinas who have come before me”, she continued.

Copeland has been frank about the pale hue of American ballet. If the company had not promoted Ms. Copeland, it risked being seen as perpetuating the inequalities that have left African-American dancers, particularly women, woefully underrepresented at top ballet companies. She added: “I had moments of doubting myself and wanting to quit because I did not know that there would be a future for an African-American woman to make it to this level”. “I went to my first class and hated it”, she told ESSENCE. “So they’re going to have to accept our athletic bodies if they want us to do that type of movement!”

With one career success after another, she’s setting a true example. American Ballet Theatre officials said the only other African-American principal dancer before Copeland was Desmond Richardson, also a man, in 1997. Copeland even danced on selected dates of his tour the following summer, New York magazine reported. If you have yet to have had the pleasure of meeting Misty Copeland, watch her in your choice of videos from her Facebook page.

“She is the face of an initiative to bring more diversity to our audiences and onstage”, said the theater’s chief executive, Rachel Moore.

And Galchen is right: Copeland is far more than a shallow icon, but a talented, determined trailblazer.

My daughter and husband both texted me the exciting news of her promotion today, evidencing that we are indeed a dance family.