For The Love Of Dance

As prima ballerina Misty Copeland’s star continues to rise, so does her passion for inspiring the talented youth who will follow her

- Tanya A. Christian

When Misty Copeland isn’t performing for sold-out audiences, the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre—who reprises her lead onstage as Clara, the princess in The Nutcracker, this month—can often be found giving back to communities through social campaigns, speaking engagements and working with disadvantaged young people. Recently the 36-year-old, who is also an author and activist, connected with local dance troupes in Jamaica and took center stage at Kingston’s Little Theatre. There she shared with ESSENCE why she does what she does and who she does it for.

ESSENCE: You just visited Rwanda and are now here in Kingston speaking to young dancers. Why is it important for you to spend time with dancers of the diaspora?