American Masters

Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre Soloist

Misty Copeland joined American Ballet Theatre in 2001 and is its third African-American female soloist and the first in two decades. Ric Burns’ documentary on the 75-year history of the preeminent ballet company includes rehearsal footage and interviews with Copeland. American Ballet Theatre: A History premieres Friday, May 15 at 9 pm on PBS (check local listings).

Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre Soloist

1m 16s

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [ASL + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [ASL + OC]

    13m 31s

    This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation and open captions. An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [Extended Audio Description + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [Extended Audio Description + OC]

    16m 54s

    This version contains extended audio description and open captions. An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future

    13m 31s

    An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

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