Misty Copeland has always understood that ballet transcends the confines of the stage. With her latest children’s book, “Bunheads Act 2: The Dance of Courage,” she’s not merely narrating stories steeped in pliés and pirouettes. Instead, she shines a spotlight on the friendships, communities, and cultural narratives intertwined with the art of dance.
In a conversation with theGrio, she shared, “Every book that I’ve written has brought a unique experience.” For “Bunheads,” Copeland describes the process as a “natural flow,” driven by her genuine passion for ballet. She aims to depict not just the art form, but the closeness of the community that nurtures it. “These are the elements we don’t often see portrayed when it comes to ballet,” she added, highlighting the often overlooked aspects of the dance world.
The bonds she formed in her early training years are central to “Bunheads Act 2.” The narrative is deeply personal, inspired by Copeland’s relationship with her childhood best friend, Catalina—affectionately called Cat. “I wanted to give her an opportunity to shine,” she explained, emphasizing Cat’s Mexican American heritage and her love for traditional Spanish and Mexican dance. “I treasured the chance to experience her culture through sleepovers and celebrations.”
For Copeland, celebrating Cat’s background is more than just a tribute; it’s about reshaping the narratives that children associate with ballet. “I want to display the diversity of characters, their backgrounds, and the connections they foster through their love for dance,” she stated. Her goal is to illustrate that children do not need to look the same to find common ground.
Copeland recognizes that the typical images tied to ballet—rigid studios, demanding instructors, and a lack of joy—can be intimidating, especially for children of color. She insists that ballet can and should be fun. “The pressure can be overwhelming, making the atmosphere seem so serious,” she reflected. “But the rigor can coexist with joy. There’s an incredible camaraderie in the corps de ballet, and when you dance as a team, it brings a unique sense of connection.”
For Copeland, fostering camaraderie is vital for the future of ballet. Yet, she identifies a fundamental issue: the lack of diversity in leadership roles. “If we can improve representation among teachers, it would encourage parents, particularly parents of color, to enroll their children in ballet,” she pointed out. Many parents of color harbor concerns about their child’s safety in environments that lack representation.
Copeland underscores that representation goes beyond aesthetics; it includes understanding the dancers’ experiences, such as recognizing the significance of Black hair care and providing brown pointe shoes. “That’s a small but impactful change that could have a significant ripple effect throughout the community,” she noted. “Diversity in ballet schools can lead to more diverse companies, countering the narrative that there aren’t enough dancers of color.”
While “Bunheads Act 2” is set in a dance studio, its message extends far beyond the world of ballet. “This isn’t just a book for dancers,” she insisted. “At its core, it’s about relationships, empathy, and compassion. It encourages us to support one another on our unique journeys.”
Reflecting on her own remarkable journey—from a 13-year-old girl dreaming of dancing with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) to becoming its first Black female principal dancer—her emotions surface. “To think that ABT was my dream company, and I’ve had the chance to live out that dream and even transcend it feels surreal,” she shared with gratitude.
As she prepares for her final bow with the company, Copeland remains undeterred in her aspirations. “I have so many ideas swirling in my mind,” she said with a smile. “There are countless ‘Bunheads’ stories yet to be told, featuring characters who resonate with diverse audiences.”
“Bunheads Act 2: The Dance of Courage” is available now at major bookstores and on Audible.