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It's a European art form, and you're used to seeing a certain type of person as a ballerina. And I don't look like a lot of the girls around me.
Misty Copeland
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Misty Copeland emphasizes the importance of diversity and individuality in ballet, challenging conventional beauty standards.

In this quote, Misty Copeland reflects on her unique position within the world of ballet, where traditional representations often exclude those who do not fit a specific mold. She asserts that her appearance and identity differ from the typical ballerina image, highlighting the need for broader representation in the art form. This statement encourages a reevaluation of standards in ballet and promotes inclusivity and acceptance of diverse bodies and backgrounds.

Themes

DiversityBalletIndividualityRepresentationArt

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a discussion on body positivity in the arts.

More from Misty Copeland

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
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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