Being in ballet class, being on the stage, being surrounded by my peers at American Ballet Theater every day, keeps me so humble and grounded. Being in ballet class, I feel, is like this meditation for me every morning.
Misty CopelandRead
My body is very different from most of the dancers I dance with. My hair is different than most I dance with. But I didn't let that stop me. Black girls rock and can be ballerinas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace your uniqueness and overcome barriers to pursue your passion.
Misty Copeland's quote highlights the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of societal expectations. She asserts that despite any physical differences or stereotypes, individuals can excel in their passions, and specifically encourages black girls to pursue ballet, demonstrating that talent and dedication are not confined by race or appearance.
Themes
DiversityBalletEmpowermentSelf-AcceptanceResilience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech encouraging young dancers at a local studio.
More from Misty Copeland
All quotes →Perseverance has always just been something that was in me. And it was a tool that came in very handy as a ballerina.
Misty CopelandRead
It's all so surreal, and I'm living my dream. And you know, principal or not, I'm getting to dance all the roles that I've dreamed of doing.
Misty CopelandRead
Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.
Misty CopelandRead
I say over and over again that I am just standing on the shoulders of so many who have set this path for me, and they may not be seen or recognized or have been given an opportunity to have a voice, but I'm here representing all of those dancers. Dance Theatre of Harlem Virginia Johnson, Tai Jimenez, Lauren Anderson.
Misty CopelandRead
It's hard to be the one that stands out when, you know, in a ballet company, you're trying to create unison and uniform when you're in a corps de ballet.
Misty CopelandRead
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