Misty Copeland: On Trailblazing the Ballet World and Having No Regrets | Work Friends the Podcast

Misty Copeland is the truest definition of the trailblazer, most notably making history as the first Black woman to be promoted to a Principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. After 25 years with the company, she took her final bow last fall...and yet her life’s work has only just begun. Through the Misty Copeland Foundation and her role on the boards of Lincoln Center and other arts institutions, Misty today has a seat at the table to drive change and create a more inclusive future for all dancers. She joins us to share how, and takes us through her singular career journey. 0:00 - Introduction 1:54 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 3:15 - Growing Up In Survival Mode 6:11 - Auditioning For The Dance Team 10:13 - Cynthia Bradley Changed My Life 12:02 - Becoming A Ballerina 13:30 - Career Is Secondary 15:18 - The Misty Copeland Foundation 16:09 - American Ballet Theatre 19:45 - Competiting With Peers 22:44 - Moving to New York at 17 24:56 - Getting Career Advice Beyond Ballet 28:30 - Injury Changing Company Dynamics 32:40 - Prince 37:24 - What Is Pancaking? 39:49 - Being The First 43:09 - Promoted To Principle Dancer 49:10 - What Does Retirement Look Like? 58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers 59:28 - Would You Rather? On Sali: —Double-Breasted Blazer (https://argentwork.com/products/doubl...) —Tank (https://argentwork.com/products/tank-...) —Single Pleat Trouser (https://argentwork.com/products/singl...) On Misty: —Slim Blouse (https://argentwork.com/products/slim-...) —Soho Trouser (https://argentwork.com/products/soho-...) Hosted by Sali Christeson   / salichristeson   Produced by Gina Marinelli   / ginaalilbit   Edited by Ryan Woldoff   / c__biz   Theme Song by Karina DePiano   / sheplaysdepiano   & Melanie Nyema   / melanienyema   Recorded at Podstream Studio   / podstreamstudiosny   Work Friends is produced by Argent (https://argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to [email protected] for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice. For more, follow and subscribe to Argent: Instagram   / argent   TikTok   / argent_work   Facebook   / argentwork   YouTube    / @argentwork