We're honored that we got a few moments with American Ballet Theatre's Misty Copeland who broke barriers in the industry as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history! As the Co-Founder of Greatness Wins, she launched the brand's first women's collection. This brand includes founders, Chris Riccobono (founder of UNTUCKit), NY Yankees Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and Rangers Legend - The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. The brand creates pieces whose foundation is based in performance, style, and comfort. We wanted to know more about her passion for this style of dance, the importance of this achievement, her favorite ballet memories and how she is using her platform to create inclusivity in a field that she is so passionate about!
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you fell in love with ballet?
MISTY COPELAND: The first time I stepped into a ballet studio. I saw myself in the mirror, I felt seen and safe.
AM: You started in the corps de ballet in 2001, became an ABT soloist in 2007, and in 2015, you became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in their 75 year history! What does achieving that mean to you?
MC: The achievement to me is a platform to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and successes of Black dancers from the past present and future. I’m a link in the chain.
AM: What are 3 of your favorite performances or ballet memories?
MC: My first performance of Firebird at the Metropolitan Opera House, Romeo and Juliet with La Scala Ballet at Teatro alla Scala, and my first show with Prince at Madison Square Garden dancing to his song, The Beautiful Ones.
AM: In addition to being a ballet dancer, you have also been a public speaker, spokesperson, been involved in documentaries, was a featured dancer for Prince and more! What does it mean to you that you have brought your talent and athleticism across so many platforms?
MC: This is what art should be - accessible, available, equal in the level of importance and recognition amongst sports and Hollywood entertainment. It’s surreal that we have reached this point to be in these spaces, but it also means growth and progress for ballet.
AM: At this year's Tribeca Film Festival, you debuted Flower which you were in and also produced! Tell us about the film as well as what it means to you that you were involved in this?
MC: Flower is a short art activism film highlighting Oakland, California and the social issues they’re experiencing, specifically gentrification and homelessness. We created a scripted story told through movement where the only spoken words are from actual houseless community members. This film is a modern ballet. It’s taking what I do onstage, telling a story through movement with a relevant story and something so many communities can relate to. This is an extension of everything I’ve worked for in my career. Access, bringing people into the arts, and this form of storytelling in a way that makes them feel welcomed.
AM: What was it like to attend this year's Chanel's Through Her Lens Luncheon for women filmmakers at this year's festival?
MC: To be in a room full of creative women who want to support one another and do everything they can to move the needle in the entertainment industry was inspiring!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Misty Copeland/Greatness Wins
Read the OCT ISSUE #94 of Athleisure Mag and see BEING SEEN | Misty Copeland in mag.
