Misty Copeland
Early Life & Background
Misty Danielle Copeland was born on September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, and later raised in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. She grew up with five siblings in a modest household, and at age 13 she discovered ballet—an unusually late start for someone who would rise to the top of the field.
Her mother, Sylvia, had a background in dance and cheerleading, which helped nurture Misty’s early interest. Misty’s progress was rapid: within months of beginning dance, she showed great promise and went on to study at prestigious summer intensives.
Rise in Ballet Career
Misty joined the studio company of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2000. In 2001 she became a member of ABT’s Corps de Ballet, and by August 2007 she was promoted to soloist—one of the youngest in the company. In June 2015 she became the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.
Her repertoire includes starring roles in iconic ballets such as Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, Don Quixote, and The Firebird. Misty’s artistry and groundbreaking presence in a traditionally underserved demographic made her a symbol of change in ballet.
Style, Influence & Ventures
Misty is known for her strong, athletic physique, expressive qualities, and her ability to convey depth in performance. Outside of the stage, she has authored best-selling memoirs and children’s books, launched dancewear lines, and founded a foundation to promote diversity in dance.
She co-founded an athletic wear brand, and her philanthropic work focuses on mentoring young dancers, especially those from under-represented backgrounds.
Personal Life
Misty married Olu Evans, an attorney, on July 31, 2016. The couple have one child. Misty has spoken openly about balancing her intense career with motherhood and about how starting dance later than most gave her a deeper appreciation for every opportunity she was given.
Achievements & Legacy
- First Black woman to become principal dancer at ABT (2015)
- Named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”
- Author of several best-selling books including her memoir and children’s titles
- Founded The Misty Copeland Foundation aimed at increasing access to dance
- Recognized for expanding what the image of a “ballerina” can be—representing change in a historically exclusive world
Why She Matters
Misty Copeland’s journey from a late-starting ballet student to one of the most visible ballerinas in the world embodies resilience, talent, and barrier-breaking success. Her career has opened doors for many young dancers of color and shifted conversation around representation, body image, and diversity in classical dance.
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