“Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.” ~Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is truly a testament to this, as she shows in her autobiography: Life in Motion. I read this book in less than 24 hours no joke. It’s a page-turner that I couldn’t bear to put down.

I took ballet for 10 years so something about it will always fascinate me. But this narrative extends far beyond the scope of ballet. It’s a story about resilience, success, and passion. In autobiographies/biographies it’s always interesting to see the main character’s personality and growth because the main character is a real, living person. Misty’s character and growth is evident throughout this book, it doesn’t seem as though she sugar-coated the difficult parts in her life or the faults in her character. She does an excellent job showing us that she is human. A talented, resilient, dedicated human, but human just the same.

As the first African American female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, Misty broke barriers. It’s a joy to see her own personal views and reactions to those barriers and the encouragement she leaves in her wake. I know it would’ve been amazing for me as a 5 year old to see another black ballerina like me doing amazing things.

Life in Motion is such an inspiring and beautiful book that gives you an in-depth look at one of the most influential performing artists of our time.

Stay fly,

~Akilah