feature: misty copeland will make ‘swan lake’ debut with the washington ballet

Ballet dancer Misty Copeland is someone who continues to break ground in dance, bringing diversity to an industry often times described as ‘white washed’ – seven years ago she became the first African-American in two decades to dance as a soloist for the American Ballet Theatre. It’s now been announced that the ballerina will break new ground, making her American ‘Swan Lake’ debut this April with the Washington ballet (playing the lead of Odette/Odile). Equally noteworthy is the news that her partner and love interest Prince Siegfried will be played by African American dancer Brooklyn Mack. Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre has stated, “There’s a freshness and newness that she [Copeland] brings to what she’s doing, and with the attention that she’s receiving now, it’s an exciting moment. To give her the opportunity to dance her first ‘Swan Lake’ in the U.S. this spring, and to pair her with Brooklyn Mack, questions some notions about who should be dancing principal roles in classical ballet.” She continues, “Having two African Americans dancing together seems to provide a fresh take on this classic, while challenging traditional notions of what a ballerina and principal male dancer should look like in the classical canon.” Congratulations, Misty!

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor