From a modest background and late entry into dance, Misty Copeland has established herself as one of the major figures of contemporary ballet. First African-American dancer promoted to star at the American Ballet Theatre, she transformed the image of an art long marked by very closed aesthetic norms.
Born on September 10, 1982 in Kansas City, Misty Copeland grew up in a modest and sometimes unstable environment. Raised by her mother in a large family, she spent her childhood in San Pedro, California, where financial difficulties marked the daily life of the family. Nothing in her career seems to predestine her to the demanding and elitist universe of classical ballet.
Unlike most professional dancers, who start their training as children, Misty Copeland discovers dance relatively late, at the age of thirteen. Yet, from his first classes, his talent immediately strikes his teachers. Its natural musicality, flexibility and physical power quickly distinguish it.
A sporty silhouette and a perfectly transmitted emotion
On stage, she is distinguished by a solid technique and a remarkable physical presence. Where classical ballet traditionally values a very fine and almost ethereal silhouette, Copeland imposes a powerful and athletic body. This feature allows him to perform particularly impressive jumps and movements of great intensity.
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Misty Copeland is not content with executing steps with rigor: she deeply embodies the characters she dances. His gaze, his posture and the expressivity of his body give a true theatrical dimension to his performances. His emotion transforms classical ballet into a show where the performing arts are combined.
Throughout her career, she has performed several major roles in classical repertoire. She notably plays Giselle, the tragic heroine of the famous romantic ballet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, or Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, a particularly demanding role that requires both great technical mastery and profound dramatic sensitivity.
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