As the first African American woman to become a principal dancer for a major ballet company, Misty Copeland has broken barriers in the world of dance. Biography fans will learn about Copeland’s rise from challenging circumstances to premier ballerina, including her childhood, her early dance lessons, and difficulties she overcame. Fast facts and intriguing sidebars teach students about Misty Copeland’s influences, her perseverance, and the ways she is giving back to underserved communities today.