Early Life and Education of Misty Copeland: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Misty Copeland, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Misty Copeland is a celebrated American ballet dancer, prominent with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Most notably, on June 30, 2015, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year existence. Her journey and success have made her a significant figure in the world of ballet and a source of inspiration.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 10, 1982: Misty Copeland's Birth

On September 10, 1982, Misty Danielle Copeland was born. She would later become a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Mother's Separation

By 1994, Misty Copeland's mother had separated from Robert and moved with her children to the Sunset Inn in Gardena, California.

1996: First Ballet Class

In early 1996, Misty Copeland was convinced to attend a ballet class at the Boys & Girls Club, taught by Cynthia Bradley. She started ballet studies at the age of 13 at the San Pedro Dance Center when Cynthia Bradley began picking her up from school.

September 1998: Publicized Custody Controversy

In September 1998, the custody controversy involving Misty Copeland, her mother, and the Bradley family was highly publicized, particularly in the Los Angeles Times and Extra. The case was heard in Torrance, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.

1998: Summer Workshop at San Francisco Ballet School

In 1998, Misty Copeland attended the summer workshop at the San Francisco Ballet School, declining offers from other prestigious ballet companies. She received a full-tuition scholarship and was offered a full-time position at the school, which she declined.

1998: Custody Battle and Professional Offers

In 1998, Misty Copeland's ballet teachers and her mother engaged in a custody battle. Meanwhile, Copeland, already an award-winning dancer, was fielding professional offers and faced legal issues including filings for emancipation and restraining orders.

1998: Resolution of Custody Dispute and Enrollment in New Ballet School

In 1998, Misty Copeland's emancipation papers and restraining orders were dropped, and she re-enrolled at San Pedro High School. She began ballet study at Lauridsen Ballet Centre with Diane Lauridsen. Late in 1998, all parties appeared on Leeza Gibbons' talk show, Leeza.

1999: Auditions and ABT Summer Intensive Program

In 1999, Misty Copeland auditioned for several dance programs and received offers from each. She performed with ABT as part of its Summer Intensive program.

2000: ABT Summer Intensive and Junior Dance Troupe

In 2000, Misty Copeland participated in ABT's Summer Intensive Program, danced the role of Kitri in Don Quixote, and was declared ABT's National Coca-Cola Scholar. She was one of six dancers selected to join the junior dance troupe.

2000: Copeland's Earnings

In 2000, Misty Copeland's earnings from ballet were set aside in a savings account and only used as needed.

2004: Breakthrough Season and Meeting Biological Father

In 2004, Misty Copeland's performances in ballets such as Raymonda and Swan Lake earned recognition, marking it as her breakthrough season. She also met her biological father for the first time that year.

2005: Departure of Danny Tidwell from ABT

In 2005, Danny Tidwell, the only male African American dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) during Misty Copeland's career, left the company.

2008: Only African-American Woman at ABT

As of 2008, Misty Copeland was the only African-American woman in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) during her entire ABT career, highlighting the lack of diversity in the international ballet community.