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
That something that I fought so hard for throughout the beginning of my career is I didn't want to pancake my skin a lighter color to fit into the... ballet. I wanted to be myself. I didn't want to have to wear makeup that made my nose look thinner.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in the face of societal pressures to conform.
Misty Copeland's quote reflects her struggle against the expectations and norms of the ballet world, which often pressures individuals to alter their appearance to fit a certain standard. She champions the idea of embracing one's true self and rejecting the notion that one must change their identity, particularly concerning their skin color and physical features, to be accepted in a professional environment.
Themes
AuthenticitySelf-AcceptanceIdentityBalletCourageIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diversity in the arts, this quote could highlight the importance of staying true to oneself.
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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