Black ballerina Misty Copeland takes the lead in Swan Lake

[Surya Gayatri]

When Misty Copeland takes the stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC as the lead in Swan Lake, all eyes will be on her - but that is something she has gotten used to.

Copeland, currently the only black soloist in the American Ballet Theatre, says she thinks it is important talking about talk about being a black woman in the very white world of American ballet.

"I do see a change," she tells the BBC, saying talking about her experience has "forced people to make changes".

But Swan Lake was "not something I ever saw in my future, in terms of dancing the lead," she says "Its incredible to be a brown swan."

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32222699

[monmouth4]

1. She is so wonderful in all ways...n/t

[Surya Gayatri]

2. Beautiful, talented, intelligent. What a role model for other aspiring young black dancers.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Interesting how the American media ignored the story except NPR

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2015/04/09/398508457/who-gets-to-dance-in-swan-lake-the-answer-is-changing

Apparently, it's not just her but the male lead is also African American.

[Surya Gayatri]

4. Yes, he is and from SC to boot, IIRC!

The American media ignores anything that's not on their daily list of RW talking points.

[brer cat]

5. WAPO covered it,

but it is a local story for them. She makes me wish I living in DC again and attending the ballet.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. Yup about it being a "local" story for them.

But considering the ballet itself is iconic, with all sorts of symbolism being evoked already (e.g., "white swan" vs "black swan" - a "western" adaptation to the original), IMHO it's a big deal.

[brer cat]

11. I agree.

I hope that it gets more coverage. The video on WAPO is outstanding. Misty Copeland is more than an artist, she is a very intelligent and thoughtful woman. I would love to see a wider audience exposed to her.

[Number23]

13. That is so fabulous. My just turned five year old is a burgeoning ballerina

I will make darn sure that she sees this!

[BumRushDaShow]

14. That's a good age to get them hooked

at least for a little while.... I remember when I was little and attending ballet and modern dance classes from about age 3 to age 8. I actually still have my old dance books that I now know used the Kinetography Laban notations to illustrate the dance steps in sequence. I can still open the workbook and go through the motions today... even with the creaky bones.

[Number23]

15. Wow! That is really advanced

I don't think my daughter's ballet school is any where near that modern and technological.

You're making me think we should probably take a look at another school!

[BumRushDaShow]

16. LOL - I did that from 1965 - 1970

My instructor here in Philly was Jeri Packman and a couple years ago I was saddened to have found out that she had passed. But thanks to the internet, I literally just found a pic of her from about 13 years ago along with info suggesting who promoted this dance notation to her!

I believe Ms. Packman is the lady in the center of the 3 women who are front right (the one with the flowers was being honored at the linked event and had apparently been the one who was the Labanotation pioneer)...



I remember she used to wear a big bun on top of her head. lol

[Number23]

17. That is wonderful. One of the reasons I signed my daughter up is because I really like the

discipline that's taught in ballet. She's been having a bit of trouble adjusting to kindergarten and I thought that the extra layer of discipline (not to mention the social skills and the fact that she gets to look like a fairy for an hour every Saturday!) would help.

But if she's taught life long human movement skills and has a fondness for her dance classes 35 YEARS LATER like you obviously do, that's just a really wonderful plus. I think we'll definitely stick with it for as long as she likes.

[BumRushDaShow]

18. "Discipline" is definitely a part of it

and lots of practice... And oftentimes "temperamental" teachers. But I think that is because they know that if even just one of their students has the talent, drive, and mental attitude and decides to make it a career, they have to teach them to strive for perfection just to get a shot. That pretty much goes for any of the performing arts and even pro sports.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Misty Copeland is the ruling Prima Ballerina of this generation and she is breathtaking....

My advice to DUers is to do the unthinkable. Purchase a ticket and attend a ballet performance, see her dance live.
My other advice is to support your local dance schools and youth performance companies.

[Surya Gayatri]

7. I live in France and don't expect to be in DC soon.

But, when she comes to Paris as guest dancer with the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris, I plan on being first in the queue.

[Bluenorthwest]

8. She will dance all over the world, that's what the world is here for, to dance on!

nt

[Surya Gayatri]

9. World Peace Dance!

[brer cat]

12. I found it very interesting that she got her start

at age 13 at the Boys and Girls Club. My granddaughters attend BGC after school and are taking piano and art lessons. The cost for membership is very inexpensive and includes the after school programs. It amazes me how much they offer to children whose parents could never afford private lessons. Misty Copeland should be a role model for all of those children.

Sorry for going OT, Surya Gayatri, but that tidbit was very meaningful to me.

[heaven05]

19. Interesting

he said with a sarcastic, sardonic smile. I'm proud of her strength, forbearance and fortitude. And the male lead also. I wish them well in there lead role(s).