What It Means to Be a Principal

Misty explains leadership, attitude, responsibility, and caring for fellow dancers as essential principal qualities.

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Episode notes

Oprah sits down with world renowned, history-making ballet dancer Misty Copeland for an intimate and deeply reflective conversation as Misty takes her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre. As the prestigious company’s first Black female principal dancer, Misty looks back on her incomparable career that changed the face of classical ballet by expanding who gets to be seen, centered and celebrated on the world’s most iconic stages. We also hear from one of Misty’s longtime mentors whose guidance helped shape her career along with listeners of all ages from across the country seeking Misty’s wisdom, encouragement and perspective as they pursue their own unique paths. Misty shares lessons on resilience, courage and gratitude we can all learn from as well as the legacy she hopes to continue building for young dancers of color. Misty shares her rigorous process of preparing for her final dance at her retirement gala of which Oprah serves as co-chair. Presented by Walmart, this episode celebrates Misty’s inspiring path and the joy of sharing your unique gifts with the world. Misty also discusses her two newest books: Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace and Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance and Courage, which you can find on Walmart.com.

BUY THE BOOKS:

Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace https://www.walmart.com/ip/Letters-to-Misty-How-to-Move-Through-Life-with-Confidence-and-Grace-Hardcover-9781534443037/12993719964?classType=REGULAR&from=/search

Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance and Courage https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bunheads-ACT-2-The-Dance-of-Courage-Hardcover-9780399547683/15039751551

00:00:00 - Welcome Misty Copeland, Author of Letters to Misty

00:02:45 - Performing One Last Time: Her Emotions

00:06:28 - Knowing When It’s Time to Step Away

00:08:20 - Physical + Emotional Pain Behind Dancing

00:10:50 - Imagining Her Final Bow

00:13:21 - Misty’s Childhood

00:15:15 - How the Boys and Girls Club Impacted Her

00:18:15 - Invitation to American Ballet Theatre

00:19:00 - Being the Only Black Woman at ABT