Ballet is an art which originated in Europe specifically in the Italian renaissance courts, the art migrated into the French region, in the 15th century, and it flourished with the reign of King Louis XIV, becoming one of the most awe-inspiring arts the world has experienced. The king then funded the Royal Dance Academy in France in order to certify dance instructors. The first Opera Ballet originated from the Paris Opera, which was then named The Royal Academy of Music, and it became the birth womb of the Opera Ballet.
The ballet nowadays, is still one of the most recognized and appreciated arts of all time, due to the technique, endurance, ephemeral appearance, and beauty of its dances. Some of the most notable ballets to ever exist, and which are still performed to this day are: Gisele, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and The Firebird.
The dance industry, and specifically the ballet theater, had one notable problem, and one very big problem, the issue of diversity. Ballet requires a certain body type, which stands in the way of ethnic riches and diversity in this industry.
One ballerina however managed to change the face of ballet as we all know it, Misty Copeland, is the first African American Ballerina, to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. Misty has become the voice of the industry for the unrecognized talents, due to race. Misty Copeland has so far written two autobiographical books, and has starred in a documentary feature detailing her life and career as one of the most influential ballerinas in the world. In 2015, Misty Copeland appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, in their feature for the 100 most influential people in the world.
I believe we must all salute this woman’s strive, her talent, her endurance, and courage, as it takes more than mere exercise to make it in this industry, especially being one of the most competitive industries for women. We appreciate and salute the influence which Copeland has had, and we hope that she will continue making a change in this industry.
