How to Empower Girls & Women

This is a second article in a series about women in history who inspire me. It’s in celebration of Women’s History month.

Have you ever felt an instant connection towards a hobby or a career? Misty Copeland felt an instant connection to ballet.

Copeland, was introduced to ballet at 13 years old. This is a late age to be starting ballet as most young girls start in preschool. The late start in ballet didn’t deter Copeland. Two years later, at 15 years old Copeland was one of the top ballet prospects in California. She is clearly hard-working and talented in ballet. At 17 years old, Copeland moved to NYC to join the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company that had 80 dancers.

Copeland’s journey to become a principle dancer at ABT had many twists and turns along the way. At the time, she was the only black female in the dance company, she struggled with self-doubt, and was told to lose weight. ABT was aware of her struggles and also saw Copeland’s potential. They asked Susan Fales-Hill, TV producer, author and advocate for the arts and education to be Copeland’s mentor. Fales-Hill agreed to be Copeland’s mentor.

Sometimes, it’s more meaningful to have conversations with others who’ve blazed a trail in their careers and succeeded. This is the approach Fales-Hill took to empower Copeland. She introduced her to other people who had been ‘firsts’ in their careers. Diahann Carroll and Veronica Webb were among some of the people of influence that Copeland met.

Diahann Carroll, was an actress who was well-known for being the lead actress in the TV series – Julia. Carroll was the first African American women in this TV series that didn’t portray a domestic worker. She won the Golden Globe award for this role in 1968. Carroll is also known for appearing in – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings among many other film and TV appearances during her acting career.

Veronica Webb is an American model, and actress. She is the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract. Webb is a spokesmodel for Revlon. In addition to this, Webb’s film credits include Jungle Fever, Someone Like You, The Big Tease and Malcolm X. Webb has also written essays and columns for The Sunday Times, The New York Times Syndicate and Esquire to name a few.

By introducing Copeland to other ‘firsts’ it made Copeland realize that she wasn’t alone. It also gave Copeland support to encourage her as she faced her own career struggles.

ABT, noticed over the next few years that Copeland was more focused. Copeland realized that her purpose was to continue to be an African American ballet dancer and represent for other young girls what was possible. Copeland was rewarded for her hard work and dedication. In 2015, she became the first black woman promoted to principle dancer in ABT’s 75 year history. Copeland also had the lead role in Firebird.

It was through Copeland’s performance in Firebird that she proved to young girls that working on making your dreams become a reality is possible. The ballet audience was more diverse than before thanks to Copeland.