June 24 – 26, 2020 (Wednesday – Friday)

Wednesday, June 24

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer and author Misty Copeland first made history in 2007 as the second African American to be promoted to the rank of "soloist" in two decades at the company. In 2015, Copeland made history for the second time, when she became the first African American female principal "dancer" in the American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history. Bunheads, available Fall 2020, is the first in a series of children’s picture books inspired by Copeland’s early dance experience. She tells the story of a young Misty, discovering her love for dance through the comic ballet, Coppélia. Copeland is also the bestselling author of Life in Motion, Ballerina Body, and Firebird. She has taken a special interest in mentoring dancers of color and diversifying ballet and is an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of America. Note: This interview was recorded on May 21, 2020.