The fact that I was African American was never addressed, and that allowed me to just be a student, like anyone else.… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
Ballet found me. I was discovered by a teacher in middle school. I always danced, my whole life. I never had any… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I think that training is the key, definitely, and I devoted my life to it. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
Finding great training, I think, is number one. I did a lot of research and found really great teachers, and it just… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I ended up training only for four years before I was accepted into American Ballet Theater in New York City. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
It takes a lot of money to be a part of the ballet world. Both the training and the supplies are expensive,… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I think most people don't really understand all that it takes to stand on your toes, and to be able to jump… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
It's going to take a while before we see a real shift in the students and the dancers that are going into… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I traced the marley floor with my pointe shoes, and imagine myself on the stage, not as a member of the corps, but as… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
When I was 16, I moved to Torrance, California to train at a more advanced studio, and by 19, I joined the American Ballet… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
To be empathetic to everyone around you, I think, is such a powerful thing to hold. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
My first ballet class was on a basketball court. I'm in my gym clothes and my socks trying to do this thing called ballet. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
There are muscles that we have in our feet that most human beings don't even know that we have. The strength that we have… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
The woman represents ballet. She is most important, powerful and vital to it. Therefore, she is not "less than" a man. If anything she… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
If I'm put in a situation where I am not really sure what's going to happen, it can be overwhelming. I get a bit… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I never experienced getting nervous on stage. I think I was most comfortable there. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
The word "prodigy" was thrown around a lot, but I didn't understand what that meant, or the weight of it. It didn't really mean… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
I think that the ideal physique and look of a ballerina is always changing with different eras. And it's continuing to change. — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
Once you become a professional, to get through a ballet like 'Swan Lake' - four acts as the lead, changing character - the perseverance… — Misty Copeland Copy Share Image
