Misty Copeland on how to ‘keep dancing’ through challenges

Misty Copeland, a renowned ballerina, finds her most cherished moments on stage before the curtain rises. She uses this time to get grounded and tap into her emotions, which she believes is essential for her performances. She infuses her experiences and honesty into her roles, making her performances more relatable and impactful. Copeland's journey as a dancer has been fulfilling, with her commitment to her craft and the responsibility she feels as a minority in the field. She believes that her career is bigger than ballet, aiming to set an example for others and contribute to the history of ballet. To maintain her presence on stage, Copeland emphasizes the importance of preparation. She believes that the more prepared she is, the more she can be free and adapt to unexpected situations during live performances. Her body has developed a muscle memory through years of training, allowing her to focus on the artistic aspects of her performances. When faced with challenges on stage, Copeland thrives on the uncertainty and excitement. She enjoys improvising and believes that even noticeable mistakes can be exciting for the audience. Her job is to keep the audience engaged and enjoy the performance despite any mishaps. She stays alert and aware, anticipating the conductor's cues and acknowledging her fellow performers on stage.