Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Misty Copeland on The Art of Resilience — Lessons from a Barrier-Breaking Ballet Dancer

Jul 10, 2024

Misty Copeland, the first African-American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, shares her inspiring journey from living in motel rooms to breaking barriers in ballet. She discusses handling pressures, connecting with audiences, making an impact beyond dance, and the transformative power of art in her life.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Creative Expression Through Dance and Music

03:10 • 7min

Exploring Control, Resilience, and Belief in Talent through Ballet

10:09 • 6min

Journey through Dance and Trauma

16:04 • 15min

Building Psychological Skills in Ballet

31:34 • 5min

Empowering Identity and Nurturing Passions

36:24 • 14min

Exploring the Art of Storytelling Through Ballet and Overcoming Challenges

49:55 • 3min

Overcoming Challenges in Performing Arts

52:56 • 14min

Breaking Barriers in Ballet

01:06:57 • 11min

Today, we've got a really special conversation for you.

Our guest today is a real trailblazer… A boundary breaker in the world of ballet… An incredibly special human… She went from living in motel rooms to performing on the world’s biggest stages… She is the legendary Misty Copeland.

Misty’s journey from living in motel rooms to becoming the first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre is nothing short of inspiring.

Misty started ballet at the late age of thirteen and rose to perform lead roles in iconic productions like Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet. During her meteoric rise, she was also featured on the covers of Time, ESSENCE, and Women's Health.

Misty didn’t just enter the ballet world; she transformed it, merging classical finesse with her powerful narrative. She has not only shattered ceilings but also redefined what safety and success look like in the arts.

Misty’s influence extends well beyond dance, collaborating with artists like Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello and H.E.R, and authoring several New York Times bestsellers. Her work through the Misty Copeland Foundation continues to inspire a new generation to embrace ballet and find their voice in the arts.

In today’s episode, Misty will share insights into the pivotal experiences that shaped her, her approach to handling the pressures of her field, and how she crafts her breathtaking performances that tell stories which resonate with so many.

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