WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
Photo by Gregg Delman
CH : What does being the first African-American principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre mean to you ? MISTY : It symbolizes something so much bigger than me . It symbolizes the future of ballet . It ’ s hope for all those generations of dancers who never felt they could . It ’ s an honor .
CH : You are not only an iconic ballerina , but a woman with a passion for education and philanthropy . What drives you to give back ? MISTY : As an artist , I perform not only because I love it , but because it brings people happiness , or provides an escape or feeds them in some way . I have benefited tremendously in my life and as a person from the arts , as well as by having people in my life wanting and willing to teach me , pass down knowledge and nurture me . So , it ’ s a no brainer to want to do the same . I want to give people the opportunities I was given and see ballet grow and be more inclusive or in some small or big way , enhance someone ’ s life .
CH : What is your message to young girls to help them push beyond their barriers and be the best that they can be ? MISTY : Love yourself . Believe the words of the people who love you . Be happy with who you are and all of the strengths you have . Try not to let your doubts or others ’ negativities derail you from your dreams . Keep people around you who are there to lift you up and support you .
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 49