Become a Master of Your Mind | Misty Copeland





Misty Copeland grew up in a single-parent household in San Pedro, California. Her mother worked hard to support Misty and her siblings, but they often struggled to make ends meet. When Misty was 13 years old, she was introduced to ballet through a free class at her local Boys & Girls Club. Despite having no formal training, Misty showed natural talent and a passion for dance.

However, Misty faced significant obstacles on her journey to becoming a professional ballerina. She had to overcome financial difficulties, as her family could not afford the cost of ballet classes and equipment. She also faced discrimination and racism in the ballet world, where there were few opportunities for dancers of color.

Despite these challenges, Misty refused to give up on her dream. She worked tirelessly to improve her technique, taking classes whenever she could and practicing every day. She also had a strong support system, including her mother and her ballet teacher, who saw her potential and encouraged her every step of the way.

Misty's hard work paid off when she was offered a spot in the American Ballet Theatre's Studio Company in 2000. She worked her way up through the ranks, becoming a soloist in 2007 and finally achieving the rank of principal ballerina in 2015.

Misty's story is a powerful reminder that success is possible even in the face of significant obstacles. She shows us that with determination, hard work, and a strong support system, we can achieve our dreams and make our mark on the world. Misty also serves as a role model for young dancers of color, inspiring them to pursue their passion and break down barriers in the ballet world.