Misty Copeland

German + Italian + African-American

Principal Ballet Dancer, American Ballet Theatre

Instagram: @mistyonpointe

Raised in Los Angeles, and born to a German/African-American father and Italian/African-American mother, it was by circumstance that Misty Copeland was introduced to ballet at a local Boys & Girls Club.

From the role of spectator to participant, Misty formally began to study ballet at the late age of 13 at the San Pedro Dance Center. After just three months, Misty was en point (a.k.a. being able to support her body weight on the tips of the toes). And by 15, she was recognized by the LA Times as the best young dancer in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Mixed with a quick learning depth and tenacity, Misty Copeland is synonymous with the best of the best within the arts community. As of June 2015, she became a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, making her the first African-American female woman to ever be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history.

Interesting fact: during her youth, Misty loved Mariah Carey and enjoyed choreographing flips and dance moves to her songs.