Misty Copeland, photo by Nisian Hughes
My entry into ballet happened quickly. When I was young, I would choreograph dances at home in my bedroom. At age 13 I auditioned for my school’s dance team. My teacher suggested I take a structured pre-ballet class, and so I signed up for another class this time at the Boys and Girls Clubs in San Pedro, California. That instructor, impressed by my lines and natural movement, awarded me a full ballet scholarship, and I trained with her for two years before moving on to a more advanced school. I was accepted into the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in NYC in 2000.
During all of those years training, I never realized I was an anomaly and didn’t know that I needed support. It wasn’t until I was at the professional level that I realized I had entered this world, completely alone. It was a shock and became evident that I needed to find people that I could relate to. For 10 years, I was the only African-American woman in the company. It took another four years in the American Ballet Theatre for me to find girls who were brown.
Through documentaries and films I discovered Raven Wilkinson, the first African-American ballerina to dance in a major company in the 1950s. She did this while battling racism within the world and in the ballet world. I became friends with Raven, who turned 80 years old this November. Her encouraging words are a positive example for me and the next generation of black ballerinas. Paloma Herrera, another ABT dancer, is also a strong influence in my life. I admire how persistent she is [in her career], how she shuts out the negativity of the competition and how she perseveres, and I do my best to apply these tools for myself.
Since the beginning of my career, I’ve received letters from fans. People were impressed with my successes despite moving frequently with my siblings and a single mother. They’d write, ‘I’m so happy you found this will within yourself to keep going,’ and stay in touch. They asked questions about how to take care of their bodies or pointe shoes. Their words of encouragement and questions furthered my drive and will to make it in the ballet world. Slowly I began to mentor some of these girls. It wasn’t my mission in life to be a role model, but I realized how important it is to reach back and communicate with young dancers who are going through similar experiences.
In the beginning I thought I had to do this on my own, but I didn’t and I don’t. No matter how strong or talented you are, there will be moments of weakness, doubt and fear. I had to accept that this wasn’t failure nor weakness. Turns out it’s a great and beautiful privilege to surround yourself with people who are there for you when you have doubt.
Words by Misty Copeland
