Misty Copeland Begins A New Chapter

This episode of Fresh Air features an interview with Misty Copeland, the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's history, as she reflects on her career, recent farewell performance, and future endeavors. Copeland discusses her journey into ballet, the challenges she faced, including injuries and racial representation, and her relationship with pain and performance. She shares insights into her experiences with painting her pointe shoes to match her skin tone, her decision not to wear pads in her pointe shoes, and how childbirth compared to the physical demands of ballet. Copeland also touches on her collaboration with Prince, her rebellion phase, and her plans to focus on production and storytelling to create more inclusive pathways in the arts. The episode concludes with a review of the Peacock miniseries "All Her Fault" starring Sarah Snook.