Part of the 3rd Grade East She Persisted Series

Introduction  

Have you ever dreamed of being a  ballerina? Then you should meet Misty Copeland.

Early Years

Misty was born on September 10, 1982  in Kansas  City, Missouri. When she was three years old, she moved to California, from Missouri. She is the youngest of four kids. When she was in fourth grade she did a dance performance with her two best friends. Then in middle school she joined the school drill team. At school one night she got a call from her coach. She was now the drill team coach.

Life as an adult 

When Misty was a teenager she almost had to stop dancing because her mom wanted to move back to where she was born. She was heartbroken and the next day when she went to dance class she told her teacher that she had to move back and stop dancing. Her teacher wanted her to keep dancing. Misty’s teacher kept Misty at home with her when her mom moved back. She kept dancing and moved on to bigger cities that have dance studios. She is the first black principal dancer at the American Ballet theater.

Accomplishments 

She was the first black American principal dancer in American Ballet Theater. Misty almost had to stop dancing because she injured her leg and needed surgery. Some doctor said she would never dance again, but Misty didn’t give up.                                                                   

Conclusion

Misty was the first black American to be a principal dancer in the American theater. Now she is one of the most famous ballet dancers today.    

 “ It’s time to write your own story.”

-Misty Copeland