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
It's hard to change someone's ideas when they might not even really consciously know that they're being racist, or have racist ideas, just because ballet has been this way for hundreds of years.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Changing deeply ingrained beliefs can be difficult, especially when individuals are unaware of their biases.
The quote highlights the challenge of altering people's perceptions and attitudes, particularly regarding racism, when those individuals may not even be aware of their own biases. It reflects on the historical context of ballet and how longstanding traditions can perpetuate certain ideas, making it harder to confront and change them.
Themes
RacismBeliefsChangeAwarenessBallet
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about diversity in the arts, this quote could emphasize the need for awareness of unconscious biases.
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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