Each dance season has a new beginning, with new opportunities to set new goals, to surpass oneself, but above all to be inspired by others. Recently I moved studios and was pushed to places I didn't think I could reach. This year I have been surrounded by new faces and new boundaries. New challenges presented themselves and I began to admire Misty Copeland, a dancer who overcame her challenges. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Misty is an American ballet dancer. She began taking ballet classes at the age of 13. Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in San Pedro, California. She trained with the San Francisco Ballet and attended American Ballet Theater's summer intensive program on a full scholarship. In the year 1997, she received the Spotlight Award from the Los Angeles Music Center, named the Best Dancer in Southern California. Misty Copeland was awarded the ABT National Coca-Cola Scholar in 2000. Shortly thereafter, Misty joined the ABT company in September 2000. The following spring of 2001, she became a member of the ABT corps de ballet. American Ballet Theatre. Later in 2007, Misty Copeland became the second African-American solo artist, proudly the first in two decades. Over many years, from 2007 to mid-2015, Misty's dancing matured and she was considered a contemporary and sophisticated dancer. In American Ballet Theater's 75-year history, Misty Copeland was the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in June 2015. In 2008, Misty was awarded the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts. The Leonore Annenberg Fellowship was a two-year program awarded to young artists demonstrating exceptional talent, providing them with additional resources to reach their full potential. Misty Copeland played various roles, mainly contemporary and classical positions. In 2012, Alexei Ratmansky choreographed the title role in Firebird to Misty, which became one of Misty's most important roles. In December 2014. In the ABT production of The Nutcracker in December 2015, Misty danced the role of "Clara", another performance choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Copeland made history as the first black woman to perform "Odette/Odile" in ABT's Swan Lake during the Australian tour in fall 2014. Keep in mind: this is only 'a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Essay Misty Copeland is more than just a dance inspiration, but an inspiration because of her passionate personality. . Many times, she faced difficult situations and turned them into successes rather than defeats. Like many other dancers, she struggled with body image, self-confidence, self-doubt and harsh criticism. Despite her insecurities and so-called "wrongs", Misty used her passion to lead her to success. I am inspired by his perspective. This year, I was pushed beyond my limits, out of my comfort zone, closer to my goals. There were days, I wanted to stop, I wanted to give up, without dance I would not have become the person I am. My life would be completely different. Misty Copeland is a huge inspiration to me because she didn't give up and she made it happen. She put aside her doubts and achieved her goals. At age 13, Misty began her ballet journey, later than most people. Misty faced tons of rejection in her.