Misty Copeland

Early Life & Training

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Misty began ballet at the late age of 13 at the Boys & Girls Club. Her natural talent was immediately recognized, and she soon began training under Cynthia Bradley, who helped nurture her extraordinary potential.

• Late Start, Rapid Rise: Despite starting ballet years after most professionals, she won major dance awards within four years of training.
• Overcoming Challenges: Misty faced poverty, family instability, and public custody battles while pursuing her art, yet her discipline and drive made her a symbol of perseverance.

Career Milestones

Misty joined ABT’s Studio Company in 2000 and quickly ascended through the ranks to become one of the most recognizable figures in ballet worldwide.

• Principal Dancer: In 2015, Misty became the first Black woman to hold this title at the American Ballet Theatre.
• Stage Performances: She has performed iconic roles such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and Firebird in Stravinsky’s Firebird.
• Beyond Ballet: Misty has authored bestselling memoirs including Life in Motion and Ballerina Body, and she appeared in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018).

Advocacy & Legacy

Misty uses her platform to promote diversity and inclusion in the arts. She advocates for greater access to ballet training for underrepresented communities and mentors young dancers worldwide.

• Mentorship: Founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation, she provides dance education and opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds.
• Influence: Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015, she continues to break barriers and inspire future generations.

Personal Life

Misty married attorney Olu Evans in 2016. She remains committed to advancing equality in the arts while balancing her family and creative pursuits.