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Misty Copeland was born on September 10, 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri and she grew up in San Pedro, California.
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Misty Copeland started ballet when she was 13 after encouragment from her teacher, Cindy Bradley.
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With her family now living in a motel and her intense ballet training, Misty moved in with Cindy Bradley to continue training and gain some publicity.
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After about 3 years of living with the Bradley's, Misty's mother insisted she return home from fear of losing her daughter. Misty then filed an emancipation against her mother. After two months of battling, Misty dropped the matter and returned home.
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In September 2000, MIsty joined the American Ballet Theater after catching the eye of the theater director.
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In 2001, Misty joined the theater Corps, being the only African American out of all 80 dancers.
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Misty became a soloist at the ballet theater in 2007, being the second African American soloist in the history of the theater and the first in the last two decades.
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Misty also published two books in 2014. A chidren's book called "Firebird" and a book about her life called "Life in Motion".
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In the fall of 2014, Misty became the first black person in ABT to perform the lead role of Odette in "Swan Lake."
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In June 2015, Misty achieved her dream of becoming the first African American principal dancer in the 75 year history of the American Ballet Theater.
