A new video featuring a BAD ASS ballerina being BAD ASS has gone viral.
Misty Copeland is a soloist in the American Ballet Theatre. She is the first African American woman to hold that position in two decades and only the third in history overall.
She was born into poverty, and didn’t start ballet until she was 13 – extremely late when you consider most children start training in preschool.
She was told she was too old, had the wrong body and that she didn’t fit in.
And now she is one epic, bad ass ballerina.
She recently shot this commercial for sportswear brand Under Armour, and it’s going crazy viral because of her incredible story and amazing strength as an athlete:
Bad. Ass.
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I wish you could see more of her dancing and less fancy edits and cut aways! Get as though. Her body drips with hard work and dedication.
Have you ever been in or partaken in a ballet class yourself? From your mis-informed comments I don't believe you have. Dancers are very well aware their bodies need fuel to perform well and their overwhelming focus is on their art and the feeling they get when they perform. I have never met a dancer who is concerned about their weight..I have been in the industry for 30yrs. It's usually only brought up by ignorant outsiders who ask them if they have to vomit to look that thin...it's called being physically active for the majority of your day!! The dancers I have known and have taught are confident, cultured and well rounded people who have a lot to contribute to society.
I only read one negative comment-what comments are you reading?
Then you would also be aware that no amount of dieting - healthy or otherwise - will create the 'perfect' Ballet body. The 'perfect' ballet body is determined by factors out of anyone's control - the skeletal system is the basis followed secondarily by the muscular system. Basic anatomy and physiology teaches that.
In saying that the 'perfect' ballet body (and I say this in the clinical term not so much the physical) is not so much 'stick thin' (although yes very slim) but an alignment of the muscular-skeletal system in symmetry and balance providing an overall conditioning of the entire body and ultimately manipulating the body's natural ranges of motions and movements.
What SHOULD be the focus of ballet (and I am overjoyed to be watching this transformation in the industry at the moment as I too struggled with 'lack of rotation' and 'lack of flexibility') is the ability of the individual to work with the parameters and limitations set by nature at the core level to extend the range of motion of the body to the highest possible level for that individual.
This sort of 'physiotherapy' coupled with expression, emotion and artistry is what makes a true ballerina. Whether in a company or not. Commercial dancers (showgirls, cabaret, hip hop etc) require much of the same skills. The line of the legs in kicks and stances, the use of the floor for kicks, the weight distribution or 'placement' for 'anchoring' in hip hop as well as the ability to 'save' turns, jumps, leaps, balances, kicks almost anything in movement as the muscles brace and engage through 'memory' even in everyday life.
In fact the imagery of bony 'anorexic' classical ballerinas will harm a students prospects just as much if not more than a student who is healthy. Quite simply - a little meat is required to smooth the line of say the arms in fifth position - bony arms are harder to get the rounded shape smoothly and will forever 'break the line'.
Quality teachers will use their expertise to condition and mould their students technique as their physicality permits. They understand that simply losing weight to be X kilos won't make a bit of difference to the way the student dances. The most diverse profession in the world is an external (not through regular school education) performing arts educator. Or Dance Teacher. The responsibility a dance teacher accepts is this - the physical, and emotional development of each and every student, their family and their friends is in their hands - it is delicate and fragile and ever-changing - poor technique can damage and wear joints - causing strain which nature will counteract in some way which could cause long term ailments physically. Emotionally - whilst there are always ups and downs and no teacher will get it right all the time (we are only human after all) - the interactions and behaviours of students, their families and their friends can be damaged as a result of prolonged exposure to negative environments. It can certainly be enhanced as well.
At the end of the day - I believe every student deserves to be educated with a set of skills for their adult life. Not everyone becomes dancers, not everyone wants to. But I hope that every student I have taught (particularly when under enormous stress) can close their eyes (like in the stage wings) take a deep breath (preparation) open their eyes (focus) stand tall and proud with their head held high - enter the stage and perform. In a boardroom, classroom, office or home - be proud of who you are and confident in what you can do. I support you because I am your Dance Teacher.