Early Life and Education of Misty Copeland: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 11, 2026

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 and author. She is renowned for her groundbreaking achievement as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in its 75-year history, a milestone reached on June 30, 2015. Copeland's accomplishment is significant in promoting diversity and inclusion within the world of ballet.

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 is an American ballet dancer and author.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Separation of Copeland's Parents

By 1994, Misty Copeland's mother had separated from Robert and faced periods of homelessness while moving with her children.

1996: First Ballet Class

In early 1996, Misty Copeland was convinced by Cantine to attend a ballet class at the local Boys & Girls Club, marking the beginning of her ballet journey at age 13. She began her ballet studies 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 surrounding Misty Copeland was highly publicized in the press, particularly the Los Angeles Times and Extra. The case was heard in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in Torrance.

1998: San Francisco Ballet School Workshop

In 1998, Misty Copeland attended the summer workshop at the San Francisco Ballet School. She declined an offer to continue as a full-time student, encouraged by her mother and the Bradley family and also dreaming of a summer with American Ballet Theatre.

1998: Emancipation Papers Dropped

In 1998, Misty Copeland withdrew her petition for emancipation, and both the emancipation papers and restraining orders were dropped. She re-enrolled at San Pedro High School and began ballet study at Lauridsen Ballet Centre with Diane Lauridsen.

1998: Custody Battle and Professional Offers

In 1998, Misty Copeland's ballet teachers served as her legal guardians amid a custody battle with her mother. Despite these legal issues, Copeland, then an award-winning dancer, received professional offers. Both sides dropped legal proceedings and Copeland moved home to study under a new teacher, a former ABT member.

1999: Auditioned for Dance Programs

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

2000: ABT Summer Intensive and Coca-Cola Scholar

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 also selected to join the junior dance troupe.

2000: Savings Account for Ballet Earnings

In 2000, it was stated that 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 had her breakthrough season, receiving recognition for roles in various ballets. Also in 2004, she met her biological father for the first time and regretted that she had not done so sooner.