It's funny how people claim to be anti racism, yet in the comments they manage to make every youtube video, including fabric softener commercials, about that very subject. If you want to change something about racism and lack of respect towards your fellow human being, a good place to start would be to stop insulting each other. Have a nice day.
She may only be 20% black or even less Her white genes are responsible for her success as ballerina; her black genes pull her down. Show me a 100% pure black ballerina (as dark as soot and charcoal) and I will be impressed.
@berncj Do you really think that affirmative action is NOT racist? There have been thousands upon thousands of meritorious and very deserving white and asian students who have been rejected from good universitites and institutions in the name of affirmative action. Some black students accepted to med schools can't even read. That's affirmative action in action.
She is awesome... If I ever have a little girl she will be a ballerina... See you dont have to shake your ass like Beyonce or dress up like a clown like Niki Manaj to make a name for yourself class and grace!
She's got a nice body for sure. And she's talented. But I think for some, it's just that their thoughts go "elsewhere" watching everything bouncing around.
@BrendaLi1 exactly. sounds like they no longer consider Nora Kimball the first b/c she was partially Asian. As far as Anne Benna Sims goes, you can barely find a pic on the web of her so in society's eyes she's long forgotten =(
I started ballet at 13, and at 14 I went en pointe! I'm getting closer and closer to my dreams and its amazing to know a professional and successful dancer went through the same thing... don't give up and never think you're too old to start, as long as your determined and motivated nothing can stop you
To the two dislikes, shoot yourselves. To VideeoJunkee...what more do you want? Why does she need to express about being who she is. It's about how she made it...not a segment about how BLACK SHE IS. Get over youself!
ive been dancing sense i was 3 but i started ballet when i was 10 and got my pointe shoes at 11 i am now 13 and i still love it! i know what u mean about struggling in a way. i went to a dance studio but they closed so now i go to a dance studio that teaches r.a.d and my dance teacher can be mean and put me down sometimes cuz im new and sometimes i lose hope but u inspire me in so many ways! :) i love u u r amazing!
its very simple Ms. Misty - Its not the color of your skin that is the issue but the physique of people of African descent - often the rear end & the chest are to large for ballet, something most people don't want to talk about or accept.
@mrlopez2681 which makes her a beast for getting to the position she's in now. kudos to her :) (this is coming from a black female dancer. i know the struggle.)
@mrlopez2681 In other words shes doesn't look like a man or a wall. Hmmm i guess that just too bad! Narrow minded people will get over it because shes going to have an amazing future! It's nice to see an actual ballerina shaped like a woman with at least some chest and rear end. That way it doesn't look like 2 men dancing, and one wearing a tutu!
@mrlopez2681 They use that crap about the black female physique not being appropriate for ballet as a scapegoat for the simple and truthful fact that they dont care for black females PERIOD in ballet. This woman is extremely beautiful and flawless in her ballet technique, she is gifted, which is why she was able to start late; there's no other reason for her being held back other than she is BLACK! Her physique is out of this world, breasts and all, and she has major charisma.
@mrlopez2681 Its all about branding and brainwashing; they sell this ridiculous, childish idea of petite, under-developed, little girl, "pure", extreme whiteness in fairy land. It's all insane and unattractive to reasonable adults who are attracted to other fully developed adults. What womane with a healthy, sane mind doesn't want a toned, womanly shape with curves; breasts and rear-end?!?! As a woman, I'd be depressed stuck in a little girl/ boyish body, my goodness! The horror!
@mdoranda - I never stated that i disliked her body. In fact, her body is beautiful - she is is beautiful. I'm talking about the physique required for a modern-day 21st century ballet dancer.
@mrlopez2681 Her full breasts and rear-end did not prevent her from mastering the ballet technique in it's full glory and the perfect presentation of it. Her technique is clean, perfect precision, and is absolutely beautiful in her delivery; she IS one of the best, the only thing is, she LOOKS different in physical shape and skin color. She looks like a WOMAN and a black one at that! But why would THAT hold her back when her ballet technique is flawless and beautiful to watch? Why? Truthfully?
@mdoranda - oh brother. This is obviously a genre of dance you are not as familiar with as I. Her tits or her ass have nothing to do with her mastering anything. But when she's on stage & her breasts are bouncing all over the place it ruins the entire effect of classical dance. Is she good? Yes. Was she able to master the technique of ballet? Yes. Do her boobs and her ass ruin the classical line? YES.
@mrlopez2681 I understand what you're saying, but absurd conventions and standards need to be challenged. I have taken classes on the history of dance, including classical ballet, and have been dancing ballet for a few years now; I know what I'm talking about. For anyone looking at the BIG PICTURE of her performance, she is FLAWLESS, absolutely beautiful! Her technique and OVERALL presentation of it, the visual appeal is outstanding. Stop LOOKING at her darn breasts and WATCH her perform!
@mrlopez2681 I'm sorry but I believe people are very jealous of her and hate the fact that she IS more visually appealing in her flawless presentation on stage, above and beyond most of the shapeless, childlike women-girls. With breasts, rear, and color, she has defied, shattered the childish convention; she mastered the technique and is beautiful upon the stage performing, clean and pristine. Anyone would pay to watch her, she'd pack houses around the world. You know this. Criticize, she IS.
@mrlopez2681 The classical ballet standard either needs to be ammended, evolve or partly be considered outdated. A woman like Misty just dances all over it with her curves,outshining most who fit in that standard. Women were'nt desired upon the ballet stage in it's beginnings due to their physical nature, they had MEN play the female roles. Men were lean, flat, hard, naturally muscular, linear, lengthier. They created sharper lines and linear shapes in Greek god-like poses. Continued...
@mrlopez2681 The female physique comes close to resembling this male physique when she is a child, before the womanly development occurs. With constant, consuming technique building activities, these female children will become awfully lean and more muscular, resembling a male. Clean sharp, linear lines, NO CURVES, boxy, carved muscles, sharp angles, perfect shapes with EASE, no sweat, no trembling is desired; STONE. A female must stunt her womanly development to acheive this and remain a girl!
@mrlopez2681 Why is this classical line un-natural to human beings so desired by "authorities"? People must understand that beauty and perfection is absent when life tries to imitate mathematical equations and unnatural extremes. When the pure heart, body, and soul converge to express the love and sincerity within, THATS BEAUTIFUL! Standardize this! Try challenging things, be creative, but we shouldnt make and worship standards that fight nature, which is pretty much what classical ballet does.
@mdoranda Do you realize that comment could have offended all flat chested people. Normal society brainwashes girls into thinking boobs and a butt make them pretty, so isn't it fair that ballet can do what it wants?
@Karen1andKaren2 Karen, do you realize that the ballet authorities have been offending and discriminating against naturally curvy women for many years? Many, naturally developed and healthy women have mastered the art of ballet, but due to their healthy figures, they are overlooked by ballet companies. They WANT child-like bodies; hard, lean, flat, undeveloped. This helps maximize the ability to produce clean angles, sharp shapes, lightness, "purity", etc. They ADORE the male figure really!
@Karen1andKaren2 I may have gotten personal with my opinions, but the heart of my point is that HEALTHY women of all shapes can and do master the art and technique of ballet, and curves should not be discriminated against, there's no excuse! They shouldn't stunt the healthy growth of their girls. The ONLY reason I spoke out for breasts and butt is because they blatantly shun this, otherwise, no light would need to be shed on this at all! I don't care what society wants, I always buck the grain!
@mrlopez2681 no i don't think you are understanding what she is saying. yes we Americans of African descent have larger rear ends as well as chest, but there are women who don't have all that rear end and chest ( like Misty ) who aren't considered for roles or even auditioned or taken seriously because of the color of their skin. They have to work twice as hard. Even if their bodies are ideal people like you are still gonna think the way that they do.
@mrlopez2681 i was about to respond to your comment and tear it apart, but then i realized so many people already did that. so basically, just scroll through the comments and you'll see the many flaws in your statement
Have you seen very many Mexicans or Latinos in Ballet since you said this is the problem of African physique? Yes, many people of African descent have GORGEOUS bodies like Misty which is why you see so many other groups trying to attain the same round bottom, full boobs, and nice lips! Omg, I want a body like Misty's!!! SHe's hot and not fat like Kim Kardashian!
@mrlopez2681 That's a fairly broad comment. When Misty was discovered she was rail thin and fit the description for a ballet dancer. Ballet is about aesthetics and it's undoubtedly true that body type is something that is considered by ballet companies. Misty is an exceptional dancer and I don't believe that her curves add or detract from her art. I think the ballet world is changing it's outlook of what constitutes an ideal body type for ballet.
in the clips that have her dancing on stage in abt she really dosent look that dark at all, it really gives her such a lush and beautiful tone to her skin, its so nice!
She is amazing! I think ballet world should have more dancers like her,really tallent,it's not all about body kind.Nevertheless her body is awesome anyway ;)
Hey Ive been I ballet since I was three! And I still love it! My goal is ABT too... Though I'm not en pointe yet... But I have split soles for tap, and u go en pointe in them!!
From where I sit (right here watching YouTube), Copeland seems like one ballerina to really get behind. Something about her spirit. Something about her attitude... you don't just want to cheer for her. You want to get behind her. You want to watch her... forever.
She didn't take ballet the moment she came out of the womb. Yes, she's black. And she had other interests in her life. So many dancers... are just dancers, that's all they are. Not Misty. She's really something... She's unique.
@monsterdaniel123 What? she can't be black because she's well polished and positive? She said she's black, stop bring race into it and watch the damn video.
What the heck! She joined a company after training for 4 years! UGH! No fair! I have a stupid once a week class with a teacher who is not putting effort into me and i will probably join a company in the corps de ballet! She's a freakin soloist! I'm so jealous i could puke!
@loulie1997 one a class a week doesn't sound sufficient if you want to join a major company like she did (ABT). try taking up more classes (min. 3 classes a week) and seek out different studio that suits you. I went through the same thing. I've changed studios twice. my first teacher took the class as a 'recreational class'. my second teacher did not pay any attention to me (in my case was because I'm a late starter). but now I've found my perfect teacher who sees potential in me :)
@TheChaiTeaLatte Well it's a little difficult when your parents don't believe you should be a dancer (poor pay, life style and I will have no time to see them) and when you live in Ohio out in the middle of nowhere.... I probably won't be able to join anywhere close to a big company like ABT. I'll probably end up joining a nothing company in Ohio where I can dance out my passion in like ten ballets a year. I know I'm probably being rude and I know you're just trying to help but I'm trying....
@loulie1997 you're not rude, you're just complaining. but if this is REALLY your passion. you won't give up. I now in college, because my parents disapproved dancing (just like yours). But I don't give dance up. I still dance. maybe you can make your way up from working in small companies to major companies. careful though. small companies (mostly) are struggling to finance themselves. so you may find yourself switching companies because your last employer went out of business. good luck! :)
I have been lucky enough to see her live a couple of times and as an african american it does make you feel something. I wish we were at a point where it didnt but if she is the first I hope she will not be the last. This is my dream woman. A strong woman who knows what she wants, strives to be the best and is just drop dead gorgeous. I look forward to seeing more performances her for many more years to come
Shes so inspiring to me, the dancing world needs a barrier breaker now i have hope that a black girl can make it there. And that we all dnt have to be sticks and starve ourselves just to be accepted in the dancer world.
@citruslemon011 hyperextension is natural especially the extent of Misty's but you can develop some degree of hyperextension due to the training of muscles which change the shape of your legs
it's comforting to see a dancer that started late as well as i did , and has a biggr bust than the average dancer like myself, this is truly an inspirational experience and it gives me the motivation to prolong into my dance career. Misty Copeland gives me the courage to become a dancer despite of the fact that i started late and that i have big busts, thank you very much !!!!!!!!!
It's great that she dances because she loves it and doesn't fold to these people who tell her she isn't stick-thin enough to dance. She is more feminine than most ballerinas. Fair play to her!
@VideeoJunkee Maybe, but from what she said it seems her experience with ABT is much better than Aesha Ash's experience with NYCB. Hopefully she can mover forward there.
I've seen her perform and had dinner with her i dance for cindy bradley and the company does too, and shes amazing and great personality i look up to her soo much and shes jus a great dancer and
I'm a fourteen year old aspiring ballerina who will be starting intense ballet training this month in order for me to qualify for The Royal Ballet School auditions when i'm 16.
I danced ballet as a child but stopped for several years.
I'll upload my lesson videos from time to time as i make progress in my ballet life.
I really need your support and inspirations.
Kindly subscribe so that you'll be updated when i start uploading videos.
Most girls spend way more than 7 years in the corps and most never get promoted. Why is she blaming it on race? It could just be that her art hadn't matured enough for her to be granted a soloist position. There is more to ballet than perfect technique, and that takes time to build.
@29psalm You're just hear defending her against every negative comment someone makes on this video. I'm just stating a fact, not saying she's a bad dancer just that it takes time to become a soloist... a lot of time if it even happens. People are too quick to pull out the race card.
@reginaholic Becoming a soloist does take time, but I don't think she's pulling out the race card "too quickly." I honestly don't think it's a coincidence that a dance company this large only has one black dancer. How many chocolate professional soloist do you see outside of Alvin Ailey? Just saying
@ConsciouslyBirthing Weird, can't find my comment or yours about other black soloists in ABT previous to Misty. Oh well, truth is truth. Plus, Misty's a strong and beautiful dancer, no matter what race, mix, shape, or rank she is.
@reginaholic How can you possibly suggest that there is no problem at all with black women trying to pursue ballet professionally. You do realize that there are still teachers that refuse to take black girls seriously no matter how talented they are? Or that she is actually very very lucky to have very light colored skin or she would likely never have been given an opportunity at all?
Sorry, but ballet, in the case of black women, and the dubious "race card" allegation rarely go together.
@29psalm The ABT director mentioned in a recent article why Misty is now being given more classical roles. It's not because of race, just like I was saying. It was due to artistic ability. “Misty’s enormously talented,” says ABT artistic director Kevin McKenzie. “She has this physique any ballerina would kill for- these legs and feet. As she begins to get her port de bras [upper body] as under control as her legs and feet are, now the classical roles are not so far flung for her.”
@reginaholic That's not what she said. She said that as a SOLOIST, she tends to get passed over for a lot of prominent roles in CLASSICAL ballets. She never complained about being in the corps and actually says she doesn't regret the years spent there and that it prepared her. You might want to listen before you comment, next time.
@SnotRockets55 There are many talented ABT soloists who aren't getting principal roles. Stella Abrera has been dancing principal roles but she isn't getting promoted to principal dancer; Sarah Lane is a fantastic dancer but is also gets past; Maria Ricetto is also excellent - there is really a lot of competition there. Misty is a fantastic dancer but she isn't better than these ladies. She is one of several talented soloists at ABT who all want to get prominent roles and be promoted.
Actually, she said that her time in the Corps helped her. Her race held her back in her attempt to pursue CLASSICAL ballet roles. Even for black women doing ballet, they are often not given classical roles. This is a truth, and that truth will not disappear because you are uncomfortable with it or because you can't handle it. Ballet is not as diverse as it could be.
Really, you're being an asshole and being dismissive when you haven't even truly watched the video.
I love her!! I started right after I turned 10 at a very small studio with only 30 students and just recently I was told I couldn't do it then I found out about her and she raised my sprits!!
@29psalm good for her. i've seen ABT performances before, and i've also seen bolshoi ones. it's just a personal preference, i see some things i like in bolshoi soloists, and others in ABT soloists. why the sudden change in subject?
@wasanik123 no change...just responding to your comment. Russian dancers don't look like American dancers. so i'm not sure what you meant by your comment. whatever. she dances with ABT and she is phenomenal. what you have to say won't change anything.
@29psalm i guess i should have been more clear, i don't care about looks, i meant more along the lines of technique. and i'm not trying to change anything, either.
kitri!! i love that variation :) she is amazing, i'm 17 and i can't do fuettes any where near as good as that, and i'm going to college for dance next year too
..... Of course it was Segregation, it was the only thing it could be right? it HAD to be that she was being singled out as a black woman. It could NOT have been that she needed to develop as a dancer, or it someone else was better at that time.
Amazing how anyone can think that anymore, But hey, old habits die hard. I hope for her sake she was promoted for her talent not the color of her skin. I would hate to be recognized for my color instead of my talent and hard work.
The problem with ABT, San Fransisco, Julliard and Co. is that there are only 1 or 2 ballet dancers of African American descent. There is more likely to be a male dancer of color than a female. To date there are only a handful black ballerinas, because they are often discouraged or told that their body type does not fit the profile. It's a real pity, because the African American and Hispanic communities are the future audience of dance.
@lunakermy The next time you see a black women audition for a ballet company, or even see a black woman in an advanced ballet class watch the way that she is received, particularly if she has darker skin than Misty Copland. My guess is that this is something you've never done. If you had you would not have made such a comment.
Amazing how anyone Yes she is good, I liked the video up to the part where she thinks she was segregated by not getting classical roles early on in her career. Of course it was Segregation, it was the only thing it could be right?
she is so good and inspiring! i started at about 13 and now im turning 14 in april and i really want to be a professional. i have a really good teacher too. she was taught by a student of vaganova.
it's strange but the reason I look up to her is because she's not a total stick...she has a chest, and as one of the few ballerina's also with a chest it's inspiring to see that she made it:)
@hellokitty254698 but she also talks about not needing highly arched feet and such, but she has amazing feet. :/
but she is an inspiration. I started when I was three, but i only did 1 class a week till the beginning of this year. I will have to go back to one class a week in january though. Money is such an issue with ballet - apparantly it's for everybody but even then poorer people can't do it as the classes are so expensive. In my studio you don't get scholarships. I think it's really sad.
It's funny how people claim to be anti racism, yet in the comments they manage to make every youtube video, including fabric softener commercials, about that very subject. If you want to change something about racism and lack of respect towards your fellow human being, a good place to start would be to stop insulting each other. Have a nice day.
maverick494 22 hours ago
I started when i was 14 :)
Tenillesvids 2 days ago
She may only be 20% black or even less Her white genes are responsible for her success as ballerina; her black genes pull her down. Show me a 100% pure black ballerina (as dark as soot and charcoal) and I will be impressed.
SamuelConcepcion 3 days ago
@SamuelConcepcion You are one dumb, stupid, racist idiot. May you and those like you rot in hell for your hate and envy.
berncj 3 days ago
@berncj All I can say is this: ... angels are white and devils are black .....
SamuelConcepcion 2 days ago
@berncj Do you really think that affirmative action is NOT racist? There have been thousands upon thousands of meritorious and very deserving white and asian students who have been rejected from good universitites and institutions in the name of affirmative action. Some black students accepted to med schools can't even read. That's affirmative action in action.
SamuelConcepcion 2 days ago
Her body and movements are ugly. Yes, there is affirmative action even in the world of ballet.
SamuelConcepcion 3 days ago
She is awesome... If I ever have a little girl she will be a ballerina... See you dont have to shake your ass like Beyonce or dress up like a clown like Niki Manaj to make a name for yourself class and grace!
jojonla1 3 days ago
is she black or mixed?
illagodzilla 4 days ago
ABT is my dream company too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to be in ABT so badly! She is so lucky and so inspirational! Misty is such a cool name too!
Mollymoo2233 1 week ago
She's got a nice body for sure. And she's talented. But I think for some, it's just that their thoughts go "elsewhere" watching everything bouncing around.
5FnX17 4 weeks ago
omg 5:25 i want that soooooo badddd!!!
DanceLuva1231 1 month ago
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@BrendaLi1 exactly. sounds like they no longer consider Nora Kimball the first b/c she was partially Asian. As far as Anne Benna Sims goes, you can barely find a pic on the web of her so in society's eyes she's long forgotten =(
ConsciouslyBirthing 1 month ago
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ConsciouslyBirthing 1 month ago
She has goog feets and legs o.O
I like her, she's really nice as person and dancer!
vivien96ify 1 month ago
Love the way she dance
sandranamahen 2 months ago
Black this black that, bitch shut the fuck up!
CelebritiesSuckAss69 2 months ago
I started ballet at 13, and at 14 I went en pointe! I'm getting closer and closer to my dreams and its amazing to know a professional and successful dancer went through the same thing... don't give up and never think you're too old to start, as long as your determined and motivated nothing can stop you
Partygirlsunited 2 months ago 2
This is such an inspiriation to me...starting ballet at 14 & I'm not giving up on trying to get onto pointe!
PearlCouture24 2 months ago 4
shes pretty
iamsukafree 2 months ago in playlist MISTY COPELAND
I started when I was 14.. I'm 15 now. She. Is. Definitely my inspiration to keep working hard<3
smileugotkatlin 3 months ago
To the two dislikes, shoot yourselves. To VideeoJunkee...what more do you want? Why does she need to express about being who she is. It's about how she made it...not a segment about how BLACK SHE IS. Get over youself!
renosdiamond 3 months ago
You go girl! Work it!
uthinkuknobutudont 3 months ago
i think those two should both shut up...
Imika1 3 months ago
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ive been dancing sense i was 3 but i started ballet when i was 10 and got my pointe shoes at 11 i am now 13 and i still love it! i know what u mean about struggling in a way. i went to a dance studio but they closed so now i go to a dance studio that teaches r.a.d and my dance teacher can be mean and put me down sometimes cuz im new and sometimes i lose hope but u inspire me in so many ways! :) i love u u r amazing!
nicolegracedancer 4 months ago
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nicolegracedancer 4 months ago
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nicolegracedancer 4 months ago
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nicolegracedancer 4 months ago
its very simple Ms. Misty - Its not the color of your skin that is the issue but the physique of people of African descent - often the rear end & the chest are to large for ballet, something most people don't want to talk about or accept.
mrlopez2681 4 months ago 3
@mrlopez2681 which makes her a beast for getting to the position she's in now. kudos to her :) (this is coming from a black female dancer. i know the struggle.)
kgarnettification 4 months ago 3
@mrlopez2681
sometimes ive always thought this about myself (except that i'm a guy hah) that my body wasn't the "right one for ballet" and i obssess over it.
munstertwinjwatzsin 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 In other words shes doesn't look like a man or a wall. Hmmm i guess that just too bad! Narrow minded people will get over it because shes going to have an amazing future! It's nice to see an actual ballerina shaped like a woman with at least some chest and rear end. That way it doesn't look like 2 men dancing, and one wearing a tutu!
lCanHearTheOcean 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 They use that crap about the black female physique not being appropriate for ballet as a scapegoat for the simple and truthful fact that they dont care for black females PERIOD in ballet. This woman is extremely beautiful and flawless in her ballet technique, she is gifted, which is why she was able to start late; there's no other reason for her being held back other than she is BLACK! Her physique is out of this world, breasts and all, and she has major charisma.
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mdoranda
Very Well put! She is strikingly beautiful and sexy!
marymarymariposa 2 months ago
@mrlopez2681 Its all about branding and brainwashing; they sell this ridiculous, childish idea of petite, under-developed, little girl, "pure", extreme whiteness in fairy land. It's all insane and unattractive to reasonable adults who are attracted to other fully developed adults. What womane with a healthy, sane mind doesn't want a toned, womanly shape with curves; breasts and rear-end?!?! As a woman, I'd be depressed stuck in a little girl/ boyish body, my goodness! The horror!
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mdoranda - I never stated that i disliked her body. In fact, her body is beautiful - she is is beautiful. I'm talking about the physique required for a modern-day 21st century ballet dancer.
mrlopez2681 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 Her full breasts and rear-end did not prevent her from mastering the ballet technique in it's full glory and the perfect presentation of it. Her technique is clean, perfect precision, and is absolutely beautiful in her delivery; she IS one of the best, the only thing is, she LOOKS different in physical shape and skin color. She looks like a WOMAN and a black one at that! But why would THAT hold her back when her ballet technique is flawless and beautiful to watch? Why? Truthfully?
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mdoranda - oh brother. This is obviously a genre of dance you are not as familiar with as I. Her tits or her ass have nothing to do with her mastering anything. But when she's on stage & her breasts are bouncing all over the place it ruins the entire effect of classical dance. Is she good? Yes. Was she able to master the technique of ballet? Yes. Do her boobs and her ass ruin the classical line? YES.
mrlopez2681 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 I understand what you're saying, but absurd conventions and standards need to be challenged. I have taken classes on the history of dance, including classical ballet, and have been dancing ballet for a few years now; I know what I'm talking about. For anyone looking at the BIG PICTURE of her performance, she is FLAWLESS, absolutely beautiful! Her technique and OVERALL presentation of it, the visual appeal is outstanding. Stop LOOKING at her darn breasts and WATCH her perform!
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 I'm sorry but I believe people are very jealous of her and hate the fact that she IS more visually appealing in her flawless presentation on stage, above and beyond most of the shapeless, childlike women-girls. With breasts, rear, and color, she has defied, shattered the childish convention; she mastered the technique and is beautiful upon the stage performing, clean and pristine. Anyone would pay to watch her, she'd pack houses around the world. You know this. Criticize, she IS.
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 The classical ballet standard either needs to be ammended, evolve or partly be considered outdated. A woman like Misty just dances all over it with her curves,outshining most who fit in that standard. Women were'nt desired upon the ballet stage in it's beginnings due to their physical nature, they had MEN play the female roles. Men were lean, flat, hard, naturally muscular, linear, lengthier. They created sharper lines and linear shapes in Greek god-like poses. Continued...
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 The female physique comes close to resembling this male physique when she is a child, before the womanly development occurs. With constant, consuming technique building activities, these female children will become awfully lean and more muscular, resembling a male. Clean sharp, linear lines, NO CURVES, boxy, carved muscles, sharp angles, perfect shapes with EASE, no sweat, no trembling is desired; STONE. A female must stunt her womanly development to acheive this and remain a girl!
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mrlopez2681 Why is this classical line un-natural to human beings so desired by "authorities"? People must understand that beauty and perfection is absent when life tries to imitate mathematical equations and unnatural extremes. When the pure heart, body, and soul converge to express the love and sincerity within, THATS BEAUTIFUL! Standardize this! Try challenging things, be creative, but we shouldnt make and worship standards that fight nature, which is pretty much what classical ballet does.
mdoranda 3 months ago
@mdoranda Do you realize that comment could have offended all flat chested people. Normal society brainwashes girls into thinking boobs and a butt make them pretty, so isn't it fair that ballet can do what it wants?
Karen1andKaren2 1 month ago
@Karen1andKaren2 Karen, do you realize that the ballet authorities have been offending and discriminating against naturally curvy women for many years? Many, naturally developed and healthy women have mastered the art of ballet, but due to their healthy figures, they are overlooked by ballet companies. They WANT child-like bodies; hard, lean, flat, undeveloped. This helps maximize the ability to produce clean angles, sharp shapes, lightness, "purity", etc. They ADORE the male figure really!
mdoranda 1 month ago
@Karen1andKaren2 I may have gotten personal with my opinions, but the heart of my point is that HEALTHY women of all shapes can and do master the art and technique of ballet, and curves should not be discriminated against, there's no excuse! They shouldn't stunt the healthy growth of their girls. The ONLY reason I spoke out for breasts and butt is because they blatantly shun this, otherwise, no light would need to be shed on this at all! I don't care what society wants, I always buck the grain!
mdoranda 1 month ago
@mrlopez2681 no i don't think you are understanding what she is saying. yes we Americans of African descent have larger rear ends as well as chest, but there are women who don't have all that rear end and chest ( like Misty ) who aren't considered for roles or even auditioned or taken seriously because of the color of their skin. They have to work twice as hard. Even if their bodies are ideal people like you are still gonna think the way that they do.
brimosi 3 months ago 2
@brimosi exactly
yupmonk3yzrul3 2 months ago
@mrlopez2681 i was about to respond to your comment and tear it apart, but then i realized so many people already did that. so basically, just scroll through the comments and you'll see the many flaws in your statement
yupmonk3yzrul3 2 months ago
@mrlopez2681
Have you seen very many Mexicans or Latinos in Ballet since you said this is the problem of African physique? Yes, many people of African descent have GORGEOUS bodies like Misty which is why you see so many other groups trying to attain the same round bottom, full boobs, and nice lips! Omg, I want a body like Misty's!!! SHe's hot and not fat like Kim Kardashian!
marymarymariposa 2 months ago
@mrlopez2681 That's a fairly broad comment. When Misty was discovered she was rail thin and fit the description for a ballet dancer. Ballet is about aesthetics and it's undoubtedly true that body type is something that is considered by ballet companies. Misty is an exceptional dancer and I don't believe that her curves add or detract from her art. I think the ballet world is changing it's outlook of what constitutes an ideal body type for ballet.
smartlikestick 1 month ago
Comment removed
mrlopez2681 4 months ago
in the clips that have her dancing on stage in abt she really dosent look that dark at all, it really gives her such a lush and beautiful tone to her skin, its so nice!
SqrtleVertis 4 months ago
She is amazing! I think ballet world should have more dancers like her,really tallent,it's not all about body kind.Nevertheless her body is awesome anyway ;)
LuizaCapentieri 4 months ago
Hey Ive been I ballet since I was three! And I still love it! My goal is ABT too... Though I'm not en pointe yet... But I have split soles for tap, and u go en pointe in them!!
12lilily 4 months ago
omg she is amazing i love her so much and can relate to her in some ways....she is such and inspiration!
dance2071 4 months ago
Your amazing Mistyy! An inspiration to me (:
GodLover33 5 months ago
she's so great. I am aspired by her.
19913924 5 months ago
this made me cry
Danceorama952 5 months ago
@Danceorama952 me too :)
DMarie0824 5 months ago
Does that mean I'll never become a Ballerina?! I've been dancing since I was 5 years old and I'm already 5:5. I'll die if that's the case! D: xx
LeSackgirl 6 months ago
From where I sit (right here watching YouTube), Copeland seems like one ballerina to really get behind. Something about her spirit. Something about her attitude... you don't just want to cheer for her. You want to get behind her. You want to watch her... forever.
She didn't take ballet the moment she came out of the womb. Yes, she's black. And she had other interests in her life. So many dancers... are just dancers, that's all they are. Not Misty. She's really something... She's unique.
DaneYoussef 6 months ago 4
I think the Kitri tutu looks prettier on her darker skin than on a white girl. Just saying...
Sanchara 6 months ago
She is soooo beautiful . Not just by looks but by her dancing as well .
godsballerina97 6 months ago
I'm surprised the colour of her skin was even a problem considering the amount of talent she holds. Keep going Misty, you are amazing.
danidoce 6 months ago
She's not black nor white she's in between im like that too but a bit paler
nanaelricFMA 6 months ago
its very sad to see how hard some people have to fight to reach their aims because they are different...
MaiaLydia 6 months ago
She's not white....look at her. And if you can't do that Listen to her...she said herself she's black.
dnorflee100 7 months ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
she is white, or almost white...
monsterdaniel123 7 months ago
@monsterdaniel123 What? she can't be black because she's well polished and positive? She said she's black, stop bring race into it and watch the damn video.
BaddSlim1 7 months ago 5
She is truely inspiring and talented. Especially for late dancers- I started at 15 and have been dancing ever since. :) i love it
suzianderic4ever 7 months ago 2
this is the first time ive heard about her & shes already inspiriring! sorry if i spelled that wrong! :D
misspbj1999 7 months ago
She is sooooooo gorgeous! Someday I really want to see her preform
GlenHelenGHOfeeder 7 months ago
=)))) aww she is amazing!
balletcraziness 7 months ago
I love her, she looks strong, healthy and athletic... she's very slim but in a muscular and fit way, not in a sick way! very inspiring!
nanushka 7 months ago
She looks pretty thin and fit to me.
Zhenevjev 7 months ago
I saw Misty Copeland do the Bluebird pas de deux yesterday and she blew me away... Why is she not a principal dancer? She is absolutely stunning!
bandmom333 7 months ago
What the heck! She joined a company after training for 4 years! UGH! No fair! I have a stupid once a week class with a teacher who is not putting effort into me and i will probably join a company in the corps de ballet! She's a freakin soloist! I'm so jealous i could puke!
loulie1997 8 months ago
@loulie1997 one a class a week doesn't sound sufficient if you want to join a major company like she did (ABT). try taking up more classes (min. 3 classes a week) and seek out different studio that suits you. I went through the same thing. I've changed studios twice. my first teacher took the class as a 'recreational class'. my second teacher did not pay any attention to me (in my case was because I'm a late starter). but now I've found my perfect teacher who sees potential in me :)
TheChaiTeaLatte 8 months ago
@TheChaiTeaLatte Well it's a little difficult when your parents don't believe you should be a dancer (poor pay, life style and I will have no time to see them) and when you live in Ohio out in the middle of nowhere.... I probably won't be able to join anywhere close to a big company like ABT. I'll probably end up joining a nothing company in Ohio where I can dance out my passion in like ten ballets a year. I know I'm probably being rude and I know you're just trying to help but I'm trying....
loulie1997 8 months ago
@loulie1997 you're not rude, you're just complaining. but if this is REALLY your passion. you won't give up. I now in college, because my parents disapproved dancing (just like yours). But I don't give dance up. I still dance. maybe you can make your way up from working in small companies to major companies. careful though. small companies (mostly) are struggling to finance themselves. so you may find yourself switching companies because your last employer went out of business. good luck! :)
TheChaiTeaLatte 8 months ago
@TheChaiTeaLatte Thanks! And thanks for listening to my complaints.... I really hope i can do it! And I won't give up! :)
loulie1997 8 months ago
So proud of her. She is inspirational! :)
Lenay17 8 months ago
I have been lucky enough to see her live a couple of times and as an african american it does make you feel something. I wish we were at a point where it didnt but if she is the first I hope she will not be the last. This is my dream woman. A strong woman who knows what she wants, strives to be the best and is just drop dead gorgeous. I look forward to seeing more performances her for many more years to come
lilnev2007 9 months ago 4
Misty's wonderful, a real-life Cinderella. I hope she does become a principal someday! You rock, Misty!
elizabetheowynbelle 9 months ago
Shes so inspiring to me, the dancing world needs a barrier breaker now i have hope that a black girl can make it there. And that we all dnt have to be sticks and starve ourselves just to be accepted in the dancer world.
TropicalTulipz 9 months ago
see how her leg hyper-extends? is this something you develop or is it natural?
citruslemon011 9 months ago
@citruslemon011 hyperextension is natural especially the extent of Misty's but you can develop some degree of hyperextension due to the training of muscles which change the shape of your legs
tutus4life 8 months ago
it's comforting to see a dancer that started late as well as i did , and has a biggr bust than the average dancer like myself, this is truly an inspirational experience and it gives me the motivation to prolong into my dance career. Misty Copeland gives me the courage to become a dancer despite of the fact that i started late and that i have big busts, thank you very much !!!!!!!!!
sexydncer09 9 months ago 2
It's great that she dances because she loves it and doesn't fold to these people who tell her she isn't stick-thin enough to dance. She is more feminine than most ballerinas. Fair play to her!
detailairbrushing 9 months ago
Pretty Busty for a Ballerina
alexander45550 9 months ago
I don't think she talked about being black enough
VideeoJunkee 10 months ago 6
@VideeoJunkee maybe thats the way the interview was edited, you can see the cuts in the video.
BBBgYm 9 months ago
@VideeoJunkee Maybe, but from what she said it seems her experience with ABT is much better than Aesha Ash's experience with NYCB. Hopefully she can mover forward there.
Jayjen35 5 months ago
i look up 2 her.....like......soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!:)
dogsrcool099 10 months ago
i met her...she is awesome
iiLoveuhable2 10 months ago
wow four years and into the studio company? amazing
loveinseattle 10 months ago
I've seen her perform and had dinner with her i dance for cindy bradley and the company does too, and shes amazing and great personality i look up to her soo much and shes jus a great dancer and
Michieisthecoolest 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hello.
My name is Caresse Clavet.
I'm a fourteen year old aspiring ballerina who will be starting intense ballet training this month in order for me to qualify for The Royal Ballet School auditions when i'm 16.
I danced ballet as a child but stopped for several years.
I'll upload my lesson videos from time to time as i make progress in my ballet life.
I really need your support and inspirations.
Kindly subscribe so that you'll be updated when i start uploading videos.
- Caresse Clavet
CClavet 11 months ago
Most girls spend way more than 7 years in the corps and most never get promoted. Why is she blaming it on race? It could just be that her art hadn't matured enough for her to be granted a soloist position. There is more to ballet than perfect technique, and that takes time to build.
reginaholic 11 months ago 4
@reginaholic you just don't get it so it wouldn't matter if anyone explained what she was saying to you.
29psalm 11 months ago
@29psalm umm actually I do get it.
reginaholic 11 months ago
@29psalm You're just hear defending her against every negative comment someone makes on this video. I'm just stating a fact, not saying she's a bad dancer just that it takes time to become a soloist... a lot of time if it even happens. People are too quick to pull out the race card.
reginaholic 11 months ago
@reginaholic Becoming a soloist does take time, but I don't think she's pulling out the race card "too quickly." I honestly don't think it's a coincidence that a dance company this large only has one black dancer. How many chocolate professional soloist do you see outside of Alvin Ailey? Just saying
nappturallyme93 10 months ago
@nappturallyme93 THANK GOD for Alvin Ailey! It's about paving a way for yourself when others try to keep you limited.
ConsciouslyBirthing 1 month ago
@ConsciouslyBirthing Weird, can't find my comment or yours about other black soloists in ABT previous to Misty. Oh well, truth is truth. Plus, Misty's a strong and beautiful dancer, no matter what race, mix, shape, or rank she is.
BrendaLi1 1 month ago
@reginaholic How can you possibly suggest that there is no problem at all with black women trying to pursue ballet professionally. You do realize that there are still teachers that refuse to take black girls seriously no matter how talented they are? Or that she is actually very very lucky to have very light colored skin or she would likely never have been given an opportunity at all?
Sorry, but ballet, in the case of black women, and the dubious "race card" allegation rarely go together.
Jayjen35 5 months ago
@reginaholic you are clueless about life outside of your own world...so it really wouldn't matter what anyone said to you.
29psalm 10 months ago
@29psalm Or it could be that you just have a scewed perception of the world.
reginaholic 10 months ago
@reginaholic really? LOL
29psalm 10 months ago
@29psalm The ABT director mentioned in a recent article why Misty is now being given more classical roles. It's not because of race, just like I was saying. It was due to artistic ability. “Misty’s enormously talented,” says ABT artistic director Kevin McKenzie. “She has this physique any ballerina would kill for- these legs and feet. As she begins to get her port de bras [upper body] as under control as her legs and feet are, now the classical roles are not so far flung for her.”
I agree.
reginaholic 9 months ago
@reginaholic That's not what she said. She said that as a SOLOIST, she tends to get passed over for a lot of prominent roles in CLASSICAL ballets. She never complained about being in the corps and actually says she doesn't regret the years spent there and that it prepared her. You might want to listen before you comment, next time.
SnotRockets55 10 months ago
@SnotRockets55 There are many talented ABT soloists who aren't getting principal roles. Stella Abrera has been dancing principal roles but she isn't getting promoted to principal dancer; Sarah Lane is a fantastic dancer but is also gets past; Maria Ricetto is also excellent - there is really a lot of competition there. Misty is a fantastic dancer but she isn't better than these ladies. She is one of several talented soloists at ABT who all want to get prominent roles and be promoted.
jewelmarkess 7 months ago
@reginaholic
Actually, she said that her time in the Corps helped her. Her race held her back in her attempt to pursue CLASSICAL ballet roles. Even for black women doing ballet, they are often not given classical roles. This is a truth, and that truth will not disappear because you are uncomfortable with it or because you can't handle it. Ballet is not as diverse as it could be.
Really, you're being an asshole and being dismissive when you haven't even truly watched the video.
antisocialist87 6 months ago
I love her!! I started right after I turned 10 at a very small studio with only 30 students and just recently I was told I couldn't do it then I found out about her and she raised my sprits!!
CandyCat957 11 months ago
shes beautiful x_x
vannah113 11 months ago
she is very beautiful and brave!:) she is 1 of my idles
dogsrcool099 11 months ago
well, she's no bolshoi soloist...
wasanik123 11 months ago
no, she is a soloist with ABT. what can you do?
29psalm 11 months ago
@29psalm good for her. i've seen ABT performances before, and i've also seen bolshoi ones. it's just a personal preference, i see some things i like in bolshoi soloists, and others in ABT soloists. why the sudden change in subject?
wasanik123 11 months ago
@wasanik123 no change...just responding to your comment. Russian dancers don't look like American dancers. so i'm not sure what you meant by your comment. whatever. she dances with ABT and she is phenomenal. what you have to say won't change anything.
29psalm 11 months ago 3
@29psalm i guess i should have been more clear, i don't care about looks, i meant more along the lines of technique. and i'm not trying to change anything, either.
wasanik123 11 months ago
She's beautiful and very talented, awesome!!!!
123lookemeup 1 year ago
kitri!! i love that variation :) she is amazing, i'm 17 and i can't do fuettes any where near as good as that, and i'm going to college for dance next year too
JazyGirl26 1 year ago
..... Of course it was Segregation, it was the only thing it could be right? it HAD to be that she was being singled out as a black woman. It could NOT have been that she needed to develop as a dancer, or it someone else was better at that time.
Amazing how anyone can think that anymore, But hey, old habits die hard. I hope for her sake she was promoted for her talent not the color of her skin. I would hate to be recognized for my color instead of my talent and hard work.
lunakermy 1 year ago
@lunakermy
The problem with ABT, San Fransisco, Julliard and Co. is that there are only 1 or 2 ballet dancers of African American descent. There is more likely to be a male dancer of color than a female. To date there are only a handful black ballerinas, because they are often discouraged or told that their body type does not fit the profile. It's a real pity, because the African American and Hispanic communities are the future audience of dance.
fredrika27 11 months ago 13
@lunakermy
"Amazing how anyone can think that anymore."
oh silly me, I forgot! Now that we have a black president, we live in a Post-racial society, am i right?!
lol. I'm guessing you're white, aren't you?
Spunkette87 9 months ago 5
@lunakermy The next time you see a black women audition for a ballet company, or even see a black woman in an advanced ballet class watch the way that she is received, particularly if she has darker skin than Misty Copland. My guess is that this is something you've never done. If you had you would not have made such a comment.
Jayjen35 5 months ago 14
Amazing how anyone Yes she is good, I liked the video up to the part where she thinks she was segregated by not getting classical roles early on in her career. Of course it was Segregation, it was the only thing it could be right?
lunakermy 1 year ago
@lunakermy segregation still exists.
29psalm 11 months ago 2
She dances for Prince now. Saw him in concert in december. she was amazing!!
memdiva 1 year ago
she is so good and inspiring! i started at about 13 and now im turning 14 in april and i really want to be a professional. i have a really good teacher too. she was taught by a student of vaganova.
animallover2297 1 year ago
it's strange but the reason I look up to her is because she's not a total stick...she has a chest, and as one of the few ballerina's also with a chest it's inspiring to see that she made it:)
hellokitty254698 1 year ago 67
@hellokitty254698 not only that... she's black...one of the only black girls doing ballet professionally
bananahead82 11 months ago
@hellokitty254698 but she also talks about not needing highly arched feet and such, but she has amazing feet. :/
but she is an inspiration. I started when I was three, but i only did 1 class a week till the beginning of this year. I will have to go back to one class a week in january though. Money is such an issue with ballet - apparantly it's for everybody but even then poorer people can't do it as the classes are so expensive. In my studio you don't get scholarships. I think it's really sad.
EvanescenceROCKSS 6 months ago 2
Amazing and Beautiful. Very Inspiring.
XayJ89 1 year ago
She's amazing! I want to grow up to be just like her. And I started at 15. (:
jrod1195 1 year ago 45
@jrod1195 I started at 12! kudos to all who started late!
airrobbins 5 months ago 26
She is a beautiful dancer!
AAndrejevic 1 year ago 2
stay strong and hope you can earn more prestige :)
lulusgala 1 year ago 3