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A Conversation with Misty
Copeland
By Carla Yvette
Thanks to the efforts of Jada
Marie Boles, with the support of her mother Phalana Marie
Boles, hundreds of dancers, parents and admirers enjoyed “A
Conversation with Misty Copeland”
July 26, at the
Maumee High School's Performing Arts Center.
Copeland, who recently became
the first African-American promoted to principal dancer in
American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history, was greeted by a
standing ovation as she entered the packed theater. Before
addressing the crowd, students from several local dance
studios paid tribute to Copeland by performing dances in her
honor.
Afterwards, Copeland became
emotional as she addressed the audience, “The reason I do
what I do is because of what I saw up here tonight” stated
Copeland. Audience members were given the opportunity to
find out more about Copeland during a Q & A segment, after
which, Copeland signed copies of her two
bestselling books
Life in Motion and Firebird.
Copeland’s visit to Toledo was
the result of an invite from Jada Boles, a 17-year-old
senior at Toledo School for The Arts, and founder of
Dance Instead, a group of young dancers committed to
choosing dance instead of drugs, drinking or other
destructive behavior. The event was coordinated by her
mother, Phalana Marie Boles, author and founder of P. Marie
Talent Management; Ashley Nowak-Hill and Nigel Burgoine of
Ballet Theater of Toledo and made possible by a host of
sponsors and supporters.
Morgan Baker with Misty
Copeland
during book signing
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Misty Copeland with Dance Instead founder, Jada Boles
Dancers
from Darryl Jervis dance studio honor Misty Copeland
Photos Courtesy AByrdseyephot |
