Misty Copeland Biography – Explore the inspiring life of Misty Copeland, the first African American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. Learn about her net worth, children, mother, childhood, family, dance career, education, and fascinating facts.
Misty Copeland is a celebrated ballerina who made history as the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Her journey from a challenging childhood to international stardom is a story of perseverance, talent, and breaking barriers. Despite starting ballet at a relatively late age, she quickly rose to prominence and became a role model for aspiring dancers worldwide.
Misty Copeland Biography: Personal Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Misty Danielle Copeland |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1982 |
| Age | 41 years old (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Mother | Sylvia DelaCerna |
| Family | Grew up with five siblings |
| Education | Studied at San Pedro High School, trained at Lauridsen Ballet Centre |
| Dance Career | Joined American Ballet Theatre in 2001, became principal dancer in 2015 |
| Notable Works | “Firebird,” “Swan Lake,” “Romeo and Juliet” |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million |
| Children | 1 son (born in 2022) |
| Interesting Facts | Started ballet at age 13, wrote bestselling books, advocate for diversity in ballet |
Key Takeaways
- Misty Copeland is the first African American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre.
- She overcame a challenging childhood and started ballet at age 13, an unusually late age for professional dancers.
- Her mother, Sylvia DelaCerna, raised Misty and her five siblings under difficult financial conditions.
- Misty gave birth to her first son in 2022 but has kept his name private.
- She has an estimated net worth of $5 million, earned through her dance career, endorsements, and book deals.
- She is an author, motivational speaker, and advocate for diversity in the ballet world.
- Misty Copeland starred in major ballet productions like “Firebird” and “Swan Lake.”
Early Life and Childhood
Misty Copeland was born on September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was raised primarily by her mother, Sylvia DelaCerna, who worked various jobs to support Misty and her five siblings. Due to financial struggles, the family moved frequently, eventually settling in San Pedro, California.
Despite her talent, Misty’s early years were far from easy. She endured an unstable home life, moving between different residences and even living in a motel with her family at one point. However, her resilience and determination led her to discover ballet, which would change her life forever.
Education and Ballet Training
Unlike most professional ballerinas who start training at an early age, Misty only began ballet at age 13 when she took a free class at the Boys & Girls Club of San Pedro. Her natural talent quickly became evident, and she started formal training at Lauridsen Ballet Centre under the guidance of Cynthia Bradley.
Misty’s rapid progress caught the attention of ballet professionals. Within three months of starting ballet, she was dancing en pointe, a milestone that usually takes years to achieve. She later received a scholarship to study at the San Francisco Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre (ABT) summer programs.
Dance Career and Rise to Fame
Misty Copeland joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2001 as a member of the Studio Company. In 2007, she was promoted to soloist, and in 2015, she made history by becoming the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at ABT.
She has performed leading roles in major ballet productions, including:
- “Firebird”
- “Swan Lake”
- “The Nutcracker”
- “Giselle”
- “Romeo and Juliet”
In addition to ballet, Misty has appeared in commercial projects, including working with Prince in his 2009 music video for “Crimson and Clover.” She has also been featured in major endorsements with brands like Under Armour, Estée Lauder, and Dr. Pepper.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Misty Copeland’s estimated net worth is $5 million, earned through:
- Her career as a principal ballerina at ABT
- Endorsement deals with major brands
- Book sales, including her bestselling memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina
- Public speaking engagements and advocacy work
Her financial success has allowed her to become a philanthropist, working to make ballet more accessible to underprivileged communities.
Mother and Family Life
Misty’s mother, Sylvia DelaCerna, played a crucial role in her life, despite the challenges they faced. As a single mother, Sylvia worked hard to provide for her children. Though their relationship faced difficulties, particularly when Misty moved in with her ballet teacher, the two later reconciled.
Misty grew up in a large family with five siblings. Despite their financial struggles, she has always credited her family’s support as a key part of her success.
Children and Personal Life
In 2022, Misty Copeland welcomed her first son with her husband, Olu Evans. She has kept her son’s name private, focusing on giving him a normal childhood away from the spotlight.
Misty married Olu Evans, a corporate attorney, in 2016 after dating for over a decade. They live a relatively private life despite Misty’s fame.
Interesting Facts About Misty Copeland
- She started ballet at 13, an unusually late age for professional dancers.
- She became the first Black woman to be a principal dancer at ABT in 2015.
- She has written multiple books, including the memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.
- She performed alongside Prince in his 2009 music video for Crimson and Clover.
- She has a Barbie doll modeled after her, created by Mattel.
- She has worked as an advocate for diversity in ballet, helping underprivileged children gain access to dance training.
Conclusion
Misty Copeland’s journey from a struggling childhood to becoming a world-famous ballerina is an inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and breaking barriers. She has shattered stereotypes in the ballet world, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. Today, she continues to inspire young dancers and advocate for diversity in classical ballet.
FAQs About Misty Copeland Biography
1. What is Misty Copeland’s net worth?
Misty Copeland’s estimated net worth is $5 million, earned through ballet, endorsements, and book sales.
2. Who is Misty Copeland’s husband?
Misty Copeland is married to Olu Evans, a corporate attorney. They tied the knot in 2016.
3. Does Misty Copeland have children?
Yes, Misty Copeland welcomed her first son in 2022, but she has kept his name private.
4. How did Misty Copeland start ballet?
She started ballet at age 13 after taking a free class at the Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, California.
5. What books has Misty Copeland written?
Misty Copeland has written several books, including Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina and Ballerina Body.
