John Malveaux of
writes:
Part 16-LBCAA 30 year history
In
December 2011, Misty Copeland was the third soloist of African descent to dance
with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and the first person of African
descent in the last 20 years.
Misty Copeland goal was to become the first principal dancer of African descent
for a major U.S. ballet company. Segerstrom Performing Art Center announced a
new “Firebird” with Misty Copeland dancing the “Firebird” March 30, and April
1, 2012.
February 9, 2012,
MusicUNTOLD presented Misty Copeland to dance students at Long Beach Poly HS
and San Pedro HS for lecture and student Q&A. Misty presented a master
dance class for dance students at CSU-Long Beach. Misty was introduced to
ballet at the San Pedro Boys & Girls. The one day tour concluded with a homecoming
celebration at San Pedro Boys & Girls Club. Misty’s persistent message was “despite
perceived odds”, you can become a ballerina with discipline and dedication.
MusicUNTOLD
one-day project with
Misty Copeland promoting diversity in ballet was the FIRST project of
the Long
Beach Central Area Association outside of the City of Long Beach. Misty
flew to
Long Beach airport the night before and flew back to New York after the
San Pedro
Boys & Girls Club homecoming. However, Misty was returning to
Southern
California late March to dance in “Firebird”. The diversity project in
Long Beach and San Pedro during 2012 African American Heritage Month
received front page coverage in Long Beach Press Telegram..
MusicUNTOLD
purchased 50 group
discount tickets from Segerstrom for the April 1, 2012 performance of
“Firebird”. County Supervisor Don Knabe provided a FREE bus to
transport youth, parents and chaperons to the performance. After the
performance, Misty met with pre-selected groups including MusicUNTOLD
for autographs, photos,
lecture and Q&A.
The ballerina of African descent who
rose from poverty and learned the art at the late age 13 was named principal
dancer of the ABT on June 30, 2015. See pic 1-Misty approach San Pedro HS; pic 2- flyer for "Firebird"
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