Being different is a gift.
As an African American in a world dominated and almost inherently designated for the affluent, Misty was a brown swan in a sea of white ballerinas. As her body matured, her curves made her stick out even more. Some decided to hide her copper complexion with makeup, and others refused to accept her, Misty began to retreat back into her shyness. The Dance Theatre of Harlem seemed a comforting solace, as she’d be able to dance with a community that embraced her. Instead of letting the negative noise extinguish her spotlight, Misty fought back. She stood tall and remembered the words of Dance Theatre Of Harlem artistic director and dance pioneer Arthur Mitchell: “Walk into a room, knowing you are somebody, somebody special. Don’t ever let them smash that or pull you down.”
Make time for your escapes.
Music and journaling served as anchors throughout Life In Motion, and clearly in Misty’s life. Whether dancing to New Edition and Mariah Carey as a young girl, or blasting Eminem and *NSYNC in her earbuds on the streets of New York City, the soundtrack steadied her on and off the stage. Thousands of miles away from home, Misty documented her accomplishments and setbacks in her journal. While pursuing your dreams, it’s important to unplug from the grind to enjoy the journey.
Jot down the journey, see how far you’ve come.
Thousands of miles away from home, Misty documented her accomplishments and setbacks in her journal. While pursuing your dreams, it’s important to unplug from the grind to enjoy the journey.
Do it for the little brown girls.
Throughout the memoir, Misty continually revisits her mantra: “Do it for the little brown girls.” The “little brown girls” are of course our daughters, but as women, we carry our “little brown girl” dreams with us every day. Whether we achieved our dreams or we’re still pursuing, or even if they’re now distant hopes we’ve stowed away with childhood toys, Misty brings us on stage with her. Life In Motion is a lift and reminder for to tap into your greater purpose, and soar to your own heights.
READ MORE:
Misty Copeland’s Fierce New Under Armour Ads Makes Me Wanna Join The Gym
Misty Copeland Tells Young Black Boys #YourLifeMatters: ‘We Value You & The Generations To Come’
For The Little Brown Girls: 8 Lessons From Misty Copeland’s Best-Seller “Life In Motion” was originally published on zonadesabor.com
