A big, huge congratulations is in order for Misty Copeland! The 32 year-old ballet star has become the first female African American principal dancer in New York City’s American Ballet Theater (ABT).This historic moment will hopefully lead to more diversity within the elite company—and Misty can continue being an inspiration!
Only days ago, Copeland performed as the iconic Odette in the New York “Swan Lake,” which is rare for an African American ballerina to have the opportunity—and it’s extremely challenging. But, of course, she killed it!
One of our favorite accomplishments of hers is her Under Armour I Will What I Want campaign last August. Not only did the ad showcase her ridiculously strong muscles and incredible grace, it also proves hat being different is a good thing. The stereotypical ballerina is usually small-chested and thin, but Copeland set out to break the mold with her curves and lean muscles.
Misty believes that everyone should believe in themselves. “Those days that you’re feeling down on yourself and your body hurts, it’s important to remember that if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either,” she said in a Shape interview.
And try these four ballerina moves for sleeker and more toned legs!