Misty Copeland
San Pedro, California
Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre
When Misty Copeland encountered her first ballet class at 13, she was too shy to participate. The volunteer instructor took her by the hand and drew her in – and Misty began dancing in the gym of the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club. She quickly made up for her late start, joining American Ballet Theatre just four years later. Now the prestigious company’s first African-American principal dancer, Misty is committed to opening the door for more girls, no matter their age or background, to discover ballet. She participated in the “Great Futures Start Here” PSA and works with local Clubs in the New York area.
