On August 1, 2015, I visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum to tour The Dance Theatre of Harlem Exhibit and to attend the "A Conversation with Ballerina Misty Copeland" event.
The Dance Theatre of Harlem exhibit displayed beautiful hand sewn costumes, the worldwide history of the dance program and a dance barre.
It was fun to watch all the little girls dancing at the barre and looking at each other in the mirror. We, the adults, tried to do the same moves as the kids, some of us were successful and some of us were not.
Misty Copeland, who was recently named the 1st African-American Principal dancer for The American Ballet Theatre, is the main reason why I purchased tickets to the exhibit. She was there to promote and discuss her new book, "Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina."
Misty is from Gardenia, California and started dancing at San Predo Boys and Girls Club when she was 13 years old. Misty has dedicated her life to ballet; it helped her “become a whole person”. Her dedication includes getting up at 8 am everyday and either taking class, rehearsing or performing until 10 or 11pm at night. Her journey has taken her from homelessness to be being seen all over the world in the 2015 Under Armour commercial.
A few things she said stayed with me well after my visit:
You can not get anywhere in life without hardwork and dedication.
She has never forgotten her journey and it is her goal to help other little girls through community outreach.
Dancing in the music video for Prince was “fun and exciting”.
I was very excited to meet her and get her to sign my book; once in a lifetime opportunity.
-Robin Nix