Photo by New York Dance Project
Congratulations to Misty Copeland, for having been promoted to Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre a few days after she debuted her role as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. She is the very first African-American ballerina who has ever been promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer in ABT’s 75 years of history. A true historical landmark.
Besides her unique style of gracefulness and technical prowess, I really like her strength and her athleticism—qualities that the stereotypical ballerina does not and should not possess. Some critics have pointed at her muscular limps and disqualified her as a pure classical ballerina based on that! Others have argued that her artistry is not at a level where a principal dancer should be. Not having seen her perform live, I am not in the position to judge the quality of her presence and artistry. But summarizing the dance reviews I have seen so far and the videos of her dancing, I have no doubt she has great potential to hone this vital aspect and grow into her principal role. To me, a dancer’s evolution is even more interesting to watch than a “finished product” that is perfect and has no room to improve.
What truly excites me and thousands and thousands of audience members worldwide, is that she has opened a new window to who the modern ballerina CAN be. The possibilities are limitless. By far, the strength of Misty’s mind is her greatest asset, and she has become a true inspiration for so many people, especially aspiring dancers of color. Yes, her promotion is a complicated story and has generated innumerable controversies on whether she deserves the principal role just because she is a great black dancer, and whether or not ABT should be more inclusive in its dancer profile.
To me, it is too difficult to separate the underlying politics from the artist. But why should we? It is a healthy debate. Misty’s vocal and proactive stance on the need to make ballet more inclusive has created wonders. She is bringing in a whole new group of audience who would otherwise not have become interested in ballet at all. And needless to say, she has inspired countless little brown girls to explore and advance in the art form. Just that itself is no small feat.
Bravo, bravo, Misty!
Related articles:
Book Review: ‘Life in Motion’ by Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland Is Promoted to Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theater (The New York Times)
Misty Copeland’s success shows ballet leaping in the right direction (The Guardian)
Geeking Out With Misty Copeland’s First Ballet Teacher On The Bigness Of Today (Huffington Post)
Secrets of a Balletomane 
Excellent post, and I join you in congratulating Misty! As a former dancer myself, I long for the day when ALL beauty irregardless of size, shape, or color can be freely and equally recognized, respected, and enjoyed for what it is.
Well said! It’s time we break the barriers of the stereotype for ballet dancers and let the world enjoy the true spirit of dance. Misty has contributed a lot in this regard—a trailblazer!