Congratulations, Misty Copeland. The 32-year-old ballet dancer received a historic promotion today when she was named the first black principal ballerina at American Ballet Theater. Copeland, who was previously named one of Time’s 100 most influential people, is the first black principal ballerina in the company’s 75 year history. Copeland first joined ABT in 2000 before becoming a member of the corps de ballet in April 2001. She was appointed to soloist in August 2007, a position she held until her much-buzzed about promotion on Tuesday. While Copeland’s dancing credits are undeniably impressive, the ballerina, who began studying ballet at the age of 13, has also become a role model for young women, thanks to her ability to shift the stereotypical depictions of the ballet world.
