Misty Copeland

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Misty Danielle Copeland (born September 10, 1982) is an American ballet dancer and author. She has danced primarily for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history. Copeland was considered a prodigy who rose to stardom despite not starting ballet until age 13. Two years later, in 1998, her ballet teachers were serving as her custodial and legal guardians, and her mother was fighting a custody battle against them. At the same time, Copeland – already an award-winning dancer – was receiving professional offers. The legal issues involved filings for emancipation by Copeland and restraining orders by her mother. Both sides dropped legal proceedings, and Copeland moved home to begin studying under a new teacher, who was a former ABT member. In 1997, Copeland won the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award...

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