The Roots of Resilience | Misty Copeland | TED
The Roots of Resilience | Misty Copeland | TED: A Synopsis
In “The Roots of Resilience,” Misty Copeland shares her powerful journey as a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), highlighting triumphs, setbacks, and the profound lessons learned along the way. From dancing the iconic role of the Firebird as a soloist to becoming the first Black principal dancer in ABT’s history, Copeland reveals how her struggle with physical pain mirrored her emotional battles against exclusion in ballet.
Facing six stress fractures after her debut performance, she realizes that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; rather, it’s about moving through adversity with purpose. Copeland recounts her challenging childhood, marked by instability and hardship, and how ballet became a refuge that instilled her with confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.
Despite the racial hurdles she faced, including being excluded from prominent roles due to the color of her skin, she persevered, returning to the studio each day. Her journey culminated in performing as the Swan Queen in “Swan Lake,” a moment infused with history and significance, where she stood not just for herself, but for countless dancers before her.
Copeland emphasizes that resilience is accessible to everyone — a skill that can inspire individuals to rise above challenges, nurture creativity, and pave the way for future generations. Through her story, she illuminates the transformative power of resilience in both art and life.
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Video “The Roots of Resilience | Misty Copeland | TED” was uploaded on 12/02/2025 to Youtube Channel TED