In this episode of Boss Files, I think something that's hard for a lot of black and brown dancers

is that we don't see or know our history within the classical ballet world, and there is a

history.

Misty Copeland, she's made history becoming the first African-American female principal dancer at the

American Ballet Theater. One of six

children, she lived in a motel when she was just 13 years old. She was discovered at the Boys and

Girls Club, where she took her first ballet class on a basketball court. She broke every barrier

that stood in her way and credits her mother's inner strength for keeping

her going. You know, I was the only black dancer, black female dancer in American Valley

Theater for over a decade. And, you know, that's when I, you know, I slowly started to realize

that my purpose was bigger than just being a dancer. And I felt like what I, what I stood for and my voice and what I represented was more than me.

Now she feels a responsibility to pave the way for those who dream of following in her footsteps.

Also, her candidate on race relations in America today.

And how Prince helped her become what she calls

a whole artist. Here's my conversation with the legendary ballerina, Misty Copeland.

Misty Copeland, thank you for being here. Thank you. It's been a joy for me to watch you and read

about you through the years, but an honor to meet you. It's an honor to meet you as well.

Thank you. When you were asked about your childhood by an interviewer, you described yourself as a lost

little girl. And that stunned me, thinking about the woman that I have read so much about and watched so much.

You embody what is bold

to me.

So that really is what you were as a little girl?

...