Pax on both houses: Diane Rehm Interviews Prima Ballerina Misty Copeland Who Grew Up A Poor Black Kid

Monday, March 23, 2015

Diane Rehm Interviews Prima Ballerina Misty Copeland Who Grew Up A Poor Black Kid

Misty Copeland performs in Swan Lake. COURTESY OF QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Audio File: http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-03-23/a-conversation-with-american-ballet-theaters-misty-copeland

Misty Copeland went from a child living in poverty in a motel, to a breakout star in the world of ballet. She discovered her extraordinary talent at the late age of 13, and just four years later, escaped her tumultuous childhood to join the elite American Ballet Theatre. Today, she is the only African American soloist with the company and one of very few black women in the highest ranks of classical ballet nationwide. Now, she’s calling for change in an art form she says is still stuck in the past. Ballerina Misty Copeland shares her unlikely rise to stardom, and bringing color to the white world of ballet.

Guests

Misty Copeland soloist, American Ballet Theatre. She is the author of a memoir titled "Life in Motion," and the children's book "Firebird," both released last year.

Live Video

Photos: Misty Copeland's Rise To Fame

Misty Copeland performs as Gulnare in the American Ballet Theatre production of"Le Corsaire." MARTY SOHL

A pas de deux class at Cindy Bradley's studio. FROM MISTY COPELAND’S PERSONAL COLLECTION

Misty Copeland dances with Ashley Ellis during their first week at Lauridsen, "when we were so fascinated by our similarities," Copeland says. "We were like sisters—at ABT, they called her 'the white Misty.'” MISTY COPELAND’S PERSONAL COLLECTION

Misty Copeland is photographed during her audition for the American Ballet Theatre. In the background, you can see Jared Matthews and Craig Salstein, both of whom are now soloists.FROM MISTY COPELAND’S PERSONAL COLLECTION