PODCAST:Influential with Katty Kay
TITLE:Misty Copeland
DATE:2024-01-04 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the "Influential with Katty Kay" podcast episode aired on January 4, 2024, featuring Misty Copeland, Katty Kay interviews Copeland, who made history as the first black woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. The interview takes place on stage at Lincoln Centre in New York, where Copeland shares her experiences and insights.
Copeland discusses returning to the stage after not dancing since 2019, emphasizing the sacred and magical aspect of the stage. She talks about her routine of being alone on stage before performances to adjust to the different atmosphere and how it affects her balance and center of gravity.
When asked about coping with her body's changes, especially after having a child and facing injuries, Copeland reflects on the impact of her shin injury and how it continues to challenge her. She expresses contentment with her evolution as an artist and a person, noting that pain from injury poses a significant hurdle, rather than her age or post-pregnancy body changes.
Copeland also reflects on her journey in ballet, starting at the age of 13, and how ballet provided her with discipline, stability, and an escape from her chaotic childhood. She acknowledges that she was always aware of her talent, driven by a fighting spirit and the desire to excel despite being behind her peers in training.
The conversation shifts to the lack of diversity in ballet, especially at the American Ballet Theatre. Copeland discusses the shock of being the only black dancer and the lack of support for navigating this environment. She talks about the challenges of conforming to the traditional, homogeneous look of ballet dancers, which often favors lighter-skinned individuals.
Copeland also addresses the issue of body image in ballet, recalling comments on her being too muscular or having a physique not traditionally associated with ballet dancers. She connects these criticisms to coded language about her skin color and emphasizes the need for the art form to evolve beyond its traditional, often Eurocentric standards.
Furthermore, Copeland discusses the broader conversation about race in the United States, noting significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's murder. She believes that the ballet world is slowly becoming more open to diversity, not just in skin color but also in body types, and acknowledges the need to update ballet stories to reflect contemporary society.
Copeland shares her experience of dealing with disappointment, such as performing with injuries and having to adapt her training and goals. She emphasizes her approach of focusing on what she can control and maintaining hope, even in challenging times.
The interview concludes with Kay asking Copeland why she believes she is influential. Copeland responds by emphasizing that her influence is not just about her but represents the collective effort of those who have supported her and the voice she gives to those who lack opportunities and representation. She sees her career as a way of giving back and being a part of a larger community effort.
