Misty Copeland on Ballet Without Barriers

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

There wasn’t a single defining moment that empowered me to create change, it has been an ongoing realization throughout my career. My success in ballet was never just about me; it was about representation, visibility, and breaking down barriers for those who would come after me while honoring those who came before me. When I became the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, I saw firsthand how much it meant to young dancers who had never felt they belonged in this space. That moment reinforced my responsibility to advocate for equity in ballet and beyond. It shaped my commitment to mentorship, creating opportunities for young dancers of color, and using my platform to push for systemic change.

As we look to the future, what is one key change or innovation you believe is essential for advancing equality and empowerment in your field?

The key to advancing equality and empowerment in ballet is reimagining the pipeline for young dancers. We need greater access to quality training, mentorship, and financial support for underrepresented communities. Talent shouldn’t be limited by geography or socioeconomic status. Programs like my foundation’s BE BOLD initiative are working toward that change. Still, true progress requires an industry-wide commitment to making ballet truly inclusive, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Who is a woman who has inspired or mentored you? And what lessons from her influence have stayed with you?

One of the most profound mentors in my life was Raven Wilkinson. As one of the first Black ballerinas in a major company, she endured racism and adversity with grace and resilience. Raven taught me that our journey isn’t just about talent, it’s about perseverance, dignity, and the responsibility to lift others up as we rise. Her legacy stays with me in every conversation I have with young dancers who feel unseen or discouraged.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

I hope my legacy is one of possibility, that a young dancer, artist, or dreamer can look at my journey and see that their differences are their strengths, not their limitations. I want to be remembered not just for breaking barriers but for ensuring that those doors remain open for generations to come. My leadership is defined by action, mentorship, investment in the next generation, and a commitment to pushing this art form forward in a way that truly reflects the world we live in.

In honor of Gloria Steinem’s 90 years of advocacy, what do you believe is her most enduring contribution to women’s empowerment, and how has it inspired your own journey?

Gloria Steinem’s most enduring contribution is her unwavering commitment to amplifying women’s voices, especially those who have been historically overlooked. Her advocacy wasn’t just about breaking glass ceilings but about reshaping the conversation around power, equality, and justice. Her work has inspired me to use my own voice, not just for myself but to create lasting change in the spaces I occupy. Whether in ballet, storytelling, or advocacy, I carry her lesson that real progress comes from lifting as we climb.

What does progress for women look like in your field, and what steps do you believe are necessary to keep that momentum going?

Progress for women in ballet means true equity, where talent, not tradition, determines opportunity. It requires diverse representation at every level, from dancers and choreographers to directors and Boards of Directors. While strides have been made, maintaining momentum demands systemic change: financial support for young dancers, equitable casting practices, and leadership opportunities for women, particularly women of color. We must move beyond symbolic gestures and build lasting infrastructure that ensures equity at every stage of a dancer’s journey.