Misty Copeland on the whiteness of ballet

B​allet's stark whiteness, in the words of Misty Copeland, "chips away at you."

Misty Copeland initially believed she had shin splits when she felt pain. In 2012, Copeland, one of the few Black dancers in the company, had finally secured her first starring role in a classical ballet after spending 12 years with the American Ballet Theatre.

I was aware of how crucial this time was for my career, she claims. "They would have taken me out of the rehearsals if I had gone to the creative staff or the physical therapists and complained that I was in a lot of pain. Additionally, I would have been unable to perform. And I was aware that I wouldn't have another chance if that had occurred."

For the full article please go to: https://www.npr.org/2022/11/14/1136026492/misty-copeland-ballet-raven-wilkinson-wind-at-my-back