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I absolutely love what I do. And I want to dance for as…

“I absolutely love what I do. And I want to dance for as long as I can and feel good about what I'm putting out there on the stage. But my goal has always been to be a principal dancer with ABT. Before I knew that there had never been a black woman, that was always my goal. I wanted to dance…” quote by Misty Copeland
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“I absolutely love what I do. And I want to dance for as long as I can and feel good about what I'm putting out there on the stage. But my goal has always been to be a principal dancer with ABT. Before I knew that there had never been a black woman, that was always my goal. I wanted to dance Odette-Odile and Kitri and "Don Quixote" and Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty." So that's still my goal. But knowing that it's never been done before, I think makes me fight even harder.”

Misty Copeland

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Copeland's ambition to become a principal dancer at ABT is fueled by breaking racial barriers and a love for dance, driving her perseverance

In simple terms: She wants to be a top dancer and inspire others, especially Black women

Key Takeaway

Pursue excellence while breaking new ground

Themes

art determination representation

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

inspirational personal

When to use this quote

  • auditions
  • rehearsals
  • public speaking
  • mentorship programs
  • community outreach

Key Concepts

racial equity career ambition performance art

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does representation affect your motivation?
  • What support systems help sustain high-pressure goals?
A Different Perspective

The pressure of being a trailblazer can be overwhelming and isolating

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