Independent Lens

A Ballerina's Tale

Few dancers make it to the highest levels of classical ballet; of that already small number only a fraction of them are black women. Misty Copeland pulled herself up the ladder at American Ballet Theater from studio company to featured soloist.

A Ballerina's Tale - Trailer

30s

Misty Copeland made history by becoming the first African American principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, considered the pinnacle of ballet in the US. A Ballerina’s Tale is an intimate look at this groundbreaking artist as she shatters barriers and transcends her art.

Previews + Extras

  • A Ballerina's Tale: Misty's Career in Jeopardy: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Ballerina's Tale: Misty's Career in Jeopardy

    S17 E9 - 2m 28s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary A Ballerina's Tale, Misty Copeland learns she has a lower leg stress fracture, a common injury for people who jump frequently. The road to recovery is long and potentially devastating to Misty's career. Many have doubts she'll dance with her signature power and grace again.

  • A Ballerina's Tale: A Young, Naive Ballerina Pays Her Dues: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Ballerina's Tale: A Young, Naive Ballerina Pays Her Dues

    S17 E9 - 2m 14s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary A Ballerina's Tale, Misty Copeland reflects back on her move to New York City as a wide-eyed teenager to join the Studio Company of American Ballet Theatre. “Young and naive,” she entered the ranks of more senior dancers, who delighted in teasing young starlets like Misty.

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