Misty Copeland becomes first African-American prima ballerina
- 9 years ago
Misty Copeland has been named principal dancer by the American Ballet Theater – the first time a black ballerina has held the prestigious role.
Copeland, who began dance training at the relatively late age of 13, joined the ABT in New York in 2001. She is already a superstar in the dance world, performing some of its most famous roles and attracting enthusiastic young fans far outside the usual ballet audience.
This nomination is a dream came true she said at a press conference: “My dream has been ABT (American Ballet Theatre) since I was 13 and to be a principal dancer is reaching those heights and now I feel like I can breathe but David Hallberg told me this morning, ‘The hard work is just now starting.’ And I love a challenge and I don’t think I could be a part of this field if I didn’t like to work hard,” she said, fighting back tears.
The dance company announced the promotion shortly after Copeland made her New York debut in Swan Lake, one of the most coveted roles in balle
Copeland, who began dance training at the relatively late age of 13, joined the ABT in New York in 2001. She is already a superstar in the dance world, performing some of its most famous roles and attracting enthusiastic young fans far outside the usual ballet audience.
This nomination is a dream came true she said at a press conference: “My dream has been ABT (American Ballet Theatre) since I was 13 and to be a principal dancer is reaching those heights and now I feel like I can breathe but David Hallberg told me this morning, ‘The hard work is just now starting.’ And I love a challenge and I don’t think I could be a part of this field if I didn’t like to work hard,” she said, fighting back tears.
The dance company announced the promotion shortly after Copeland made her New York debut in Swan Lake, one of the most coveted roles in balle