Misty opeland

Misty Copeland endured a chaotic home life to find a way to dance, and eventually studied under California ballet coach Cindy Bradley. Copeland joined the studio company at the American Ballet Theater in 2000, becoming a soloist several years back and starring in numerous productions such as The Nutcracker and Firebird. An icon of its star shining beyond the ancient dance floor, in late June 2015 Copeland became the first African American actor to be named the best ABT dancer in the company's history for decades.