Catching Up with Misty Copeland
Since first joining us in Vail in 2011, the world has watched Misty Copeland soar with grace and dignity, all while maintaining a commitment to opening doors and inspiring others to excel. In addition to her performances with American Ballet Theatre and as a guest artist around the world, Copeland recently released a book on health, Ballerina Body, launched a dancewear line, and co-curated the Kennedy Center dance program, Ballet Across America. We checked in with Copeland to hear about her artistry, inspirations, and what she’s looking forward to this summer.
Sarah Silverblatt-Buser: Since your first time at the Festival, you’ve done so much to push the dance world forward, so I was hoping to hear from you as, first and foremost, a dancer and an artist. What do you love about dancing and why?
MC: Having an opportunity to do something that I haven’t been given an opportunity to do for most of my career is really freeing. I like being able to do things like Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake where I can be extremely expressive and individual in my approach and artistry, and really become a character.
SSB: Are there any composers or musicians you are especially moved or inspired by?
I grew up with soul and R&B and hip hop, and I feel like when I’m not on stage, that’s still so much a part of what motivates me, what kind of calms me down before I go onstage... and really, I think, influences the way I perform as a ballerina.
SSB: I’m curious how our lives offstage influence the art we make on stage. Will you speak a bit more on that?
MC: Absolutely. I feel like when I started working with Prince -- when I met him, his presence, his belief in me – and then watching him perform and rehearse, has had such a huge impact on me as a dancer and as a ballerina. It opened my eyes to what’s possible and to not being afraid of taking chances and… it’s interesting that a rock star would do that for me.
SSB: When you speak of taking chances, what does that mean for you?
MC: When I think of myself and taking chances, it’s about letting myself go, being so completely immersed in the moment and present.
SSB: And now that you’re returning to Vail, is there anyone or anything you’re looking forward to?
MC: I always have a really good time with the dancers from other companies… Damian [Woetzel] just has such an open mind and heart and is really open to bringing in people and giving them opportunities to grow and be seen as the dancer that they are capable of being.