The iconic and beyond talented Misty Copeland will be coming to Tilles Center on Saturday, April 26th. The audience can expect a night of enriching conversation moderated by screenwriter, author and producer Susan Fales-Hill, complete with graceful dancing from American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and students from Misty’s BE BOLD program.

Misty Copeland is best known for being the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015. She’s known worldwide not only for her incredible strength and technique, but also for everything she has done to give back to the dance community and inspire younger generations.

Copeland started ballet at the age of 13 (which is seen as late in the world of dance) at the San Pedro Dance Center in California. Only two years later at the age of 15, she went on to place first in the Music Center Spotlight Awards. In 2001, she joined American Ballet Theatre. In 2007, she became the dance company’s second African American female soloist, and in 2015, became the company’s first Black female principal dancer. She went on to win the prestigious Heisman Humanitarian Award in 2024 for her amazing work with her foundation, The Misty Copeland Foundation.

Copeland’s journey to success is truly inspiring – her natural talent and determination made her rise to stardom. Beyond the stage, she is a best-selling author, a role model for young dancers, and an advocate for diversity in the arts. Misty has written many books, such as memoirs and children’s books, that aim to inspire individuals. Some of her most notable books include:

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You (2017)

Firebird (2014)

Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy (2021)

The conversation will be moderated by accomplished screenwriter, author, and producer, Susan Fales-Hill, who is currently a producer on And Just Like That. Misty wrote her latest memoir The Wind at My Back with Ms. Fales-Hill. Susan’s rich background in storytelling and her sharp insight will bring an engaging and thoughtful dimension to the conversation, offering a deeper look into Copeland’s groundbreaking career. Whether you love the art of dance or you’re looking for some motivation, this event promises to deliver. Misty’s story and humble attitude is truly remarkable, alongside her amazing talent.

Proceeds from this special event will benefit the Misty Copeland Foundation (MCF), which provides opportunities for children in under-resourced communities to engage their bodies, hearts and minds in learning through dance and Tilles Center’s world class dance programming and educational activities.

We hope you join us for this inspirational and unforgettable night, Saturday, April 26!

For more ticket information please visit our website.