Misty Copeland: The Ballerina Who Leapt Over Barriers and Into History

Rebel Girls

Kids & Family, Stories For Kids, Education For Kids

4.5 • 7.2K Ratings

🗓️ 18 November 2025

⏱️ 17 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Misty Copeland broke barriers in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to be named Principal Ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. She didn’t begin dancing until she was 13—and once she found ballet, she leapt fearlessly into her future. Now, Misty is opening doors for girls who never saw themselves represented in ballet, proving that talent, passion, and courage—not background—determine who belongs on stage. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.This episode was narrated by Jasmine Wilson. It was produced and directed by Danielle Roth, with sound design and mixing by Marina Piaz.The story was written by Danielle Roth and edited by Haley Dapkus. Fact checking by Sam Gabeur. Production coordination by Natalie Hara. Haley Dapkus is our senior producer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe.Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi.A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Transcript

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0:00.0	It was a warm summer night in 2019, and the outdoor amphitheater buzzed with the excitement of the audience.
0:12.9	As the theater lights dimmed, the voices quieted until just the gentle hum of cicadas remained.
0:23.6	Wind rustled the trees nearby as the first notes of Chikovsky Swan Lake filled the air.
0:32.6	A single spotlight beamed down onto the stage and Misty Copeland stepped into the light,
0:42.3	transformed into the Swan Queen. Her arms flowed like water, her movements powerful and delicate.
0:52.3	This wasn't just any performance. Something incredible was happening.
0:57.0	As she leaped across the stage, her tutu catching the light like feathers,
1:02.0	Misty felt something she'd never felt before. Complete freedom.
1:10.0	After years of working to prove she deserved her place in ballet. Years of standing out and fighting for her chance to shine. She was finally dancing for pure joy.
1:39.1	I'm Jasmine Wilson, and this is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls,
1:44.0	a fairy tale podcast about the real-life Rebel women who inspire us. On this episode, Misty Copeland,
1:46.7	the ballerina who broke barriers and changed ballet forever.
1:56.5	Misty Copeland's childhood wasn't filled with tutus and ballet slippers.
2:01.6	She was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in San Pedro, California.
2:06.6	She grew up in a single-parent household with five siblings.
2:11.6	She was quiet, shy, and nervous.
2:15.6	But having so many brothers and sisters meant lots of built-in friends.
2:20.3	Money was always tight, but at least they had each other.
2:25.3	When Misty was a kid, there was a lot of instability in her life.
2:30.3	Sometimes she didn't know where her family would be sleeping that night. They bounced around, spending a few nights at motels, then moving to houses of relatives or friends.
2:40.0	The only constant in her life?
2:43.0	School.
	...

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