How Misty Copeland Changed the Game, Not Just the Show

Copeland’s impact went further than just ballet…

BY Ava Ascenzo ★ june 29th, 2025

Photo Credit: Royce Burgess

Go and dig up those old photos your mom took of you in a pink tutu and slicked-back bun, because I know most of you have taken a dance class at least once in your life. Today, we’re talking about every little girl’s dream: ballet. 

Okay…maybe not every little girl wanted to be a ballerina, but a lot of us did. It's like a girlhood rite of passage. I know I did, and I stuck with it. 

For however long your dance journey was, whether it was one ballet class or 1,000, you’ve probably heard of Misty Copeland. And, if you haven’t, I’m here to explain who she is.

Copeland was a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. Being a principal dancer is the highest honor in the ballet world. It means you’re the prima ballerina. As the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer at the United States’ most prestigious classical ballet company, Copeland has inspired countless young girls to chase their dreams, no matter what they look like. 

This June, after 25 years, Copeland announced her retirement, explaining that she wants to focus on the Misty Copeland Foundation, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in dance — a mission that’s more important than ever in today’s world and current political climate.

The Power of Copeland’s Career

When I was a young girl, I did karate. I felt that it was totally okay for me to be in martial arts, even though it didn't really align with my culture. I didn’t care; I just did it. That’s what Copeland did — she encouraged girls to pursue their passions without worrying about their skin color, ethnicity or body type.

The ballerinas most of us grew up idolizing all looked the same: white, tall and thin. That was the standard, and girls who didn’t fit that standard didn’t have the cultural approval to dance. Copeland has spoken about how choreographers often envision their movements on a certain type of dancer: long, lean and less curvy. But, throughout her experience in the ballet world, Copeland demonstrated that movements look amazing on all body types. 

The ballet world has taken a long time to catch up with her. The professional ballet industry is also behind when it comes to casting roles. At the start of her career, Copeland often received “earthy” or modern roles because of how she looked. These microaggressions strained her relationship with ABT for a while, but she eventually was recognized by the company for her talent, not her image. 

We now live in a time when young girls can look up to ballerinas of all races and body types because of Copeland. This has been a huge step for the ballet world. People magazine even featured a photoshoot of young Black ballerinas in her honor, proving how Copeland’s influence is unmatched.

When Copeland was onstage, the crowds were noticeably more diverse because Black audiences finally saw that yes, ballet is for them, too. Thanks to Copeland, so many doors in the classical arts have finally opened for African Americans. 

THE Misty Copeland Foundation’s Mission

In a New York Times interview, Copeland spoke about the foundation, and how their aim of bringing more diversity to the dance world accentuates her previous work at ABT. Even before the foundation, Copeland’s entire career embodied the idea that diversity brings people together and fosters community. Copeland started the foundation to continue this mission long after her retirement. 

The foundation’s mission is also why so many figures in the ballet world support Copeland’s retirement. Susan Jaffe, ABT’s artistic director, said, “Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment.”

Why should we care?

We have all hesitated to try something new. That’s what a fashion trend is: someone starts it, pulls it off, and then — boom — it's in.

Copeland did the same with dance; she was a trendsetter. Through perseverance, dedication and hard work, she created a legacy that broke cultural norms, inspiring any girl to pursue her dreams, as long as she keeps at it.