Misty Copeland made history on June 30, 2015, when she was promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theater (ABT), becoming the first African American woman to hold this position in the company’s 75-year history. Her achievement marked a significant moment in the world of classical ballet, which had long been criticized for its lack of diversity and racial stereotyping. Copeland’s success has served as an inspiration to countless young dancers of color and has helped to pave the way for more inclusivity in the ballet community.
