Misty Copeland on Trailblazing the Ballet World and Having No Regrets from Work Friends

Misty Copeland on Trailblazing the Ballet World and Having No Regrets

1 hour 2 minutes Posted Jul 13, 2026 at 9:00 am.

Introduction2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode6:50 - Discovering Dance at 1310:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre23:15 - Moving to New York at 1724:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice?29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion37:32 - Pancaking Ballet Shoes40:29 - Advocation For Yourself43:46 - Promoted To Principle Dancer52:32 - Taking a Final Bow58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers55:07 - The Misty Copeland Foundation & Retired Life58:40 - Advice For Future Trailblazers1:00:03 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Blazer, Tank, and Single Pleat TrouserOn Misty: Argent Slim Blouse and Soho TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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Misty Copeland is the truest definition of the trailblazer, most notably making history as the first Black woman to be promoted to a Principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. After 25 years with the company, she took her final bow last fall...and yet her life’s work has only just begun. Through the Misty Copeland Foundation and her role on the boards of Lincoln Center and other arts institutions, Misty today has a seat at the table to drive change and create a more inclusive future for all dancers. She joins us to share how, and takes us through her singular career journey.

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