Ballet Icon Misty Copeland | 60 Minutes Archive
In a poignant and inspiring feature, “60 Minutes” revisits the remarkable journey of ballet sensation Misty Copeland. Rising from humble beginnings and facing systemic challenges related to race, Copeland’s story is one of resilience, talent, and groundbreaking achievement. In a 2015 profile by Bill Whitaker, viewers are given an intimate glimpse into her life, just weeks before she shattered barriers by becoming the first female Black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).
Misty’s relentless dedication and passion for dance propelled her through adversity, including significant injuries, to achieve what many considered impossible. Her historic tenure with ABT, spanning 25 years, culminates in a bittersweet farewell as she takes her final bow with the company that helped define her legacy.
“60 Minutes,” the gold standard in journalistic integrity, brings to light Copeland’s extraordinary journey, highlighting the broader narratives of diversity and inclusivity in the world of ballet. Since its inception in 1968, the program has captivated audiences with impactful storytelling, investigative reporting, and profiles of influential figures.
Join us in celebrating Misty Copeland’s phenomenal career and enduring impact on both the dance community and society at large. Don’t miss this powerful tribute, encapsulated in one compelling episode of “60 Minutes.”
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Video “Ballet Icon Misty Copeland | 60 Minutes Archive” was uploaded on 10/22/2025 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes

































Gifted athlete who channeled her gift into ballet. Good for ballet. 🩰
Mikael Baryshnikov started late, too!! Some were MADE for ballet! I was, naturally, 98 pounds and 5’2”. I danced from the age of 3. I was good but could never become a Soloist or a Principal. I was put on pointe at the age of 10. TOO EARLY- The fact that she was on pointe in months is INSANE
What an inspiration! Love her❣
Never knew her background. Hope her mother never gets a dime from her success.
Some ppl were meant to do certain things in this life…and for Misty Copeland– Prima ballerina is definitely it ❤💐
🎉🎉❤Misty Copeland❤🎉🎉
THAT THUMBNAIL SHE IS BEAUTIFUL 💙
Great piece 60 minutes!!! Sooo inspiring! Brava Misty Copeland!!
So graceful and inspiring ❤
She became tired of stage mothers syndrome. She worked for her career and knew when to stop.
Good job Misty👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Shes not the only one
Bless this woman for approaching Misty.
She is so beautiful, so elegant, so strong. It is so bizarre that anyone would question her body. She is the consummate ballerina in every respect. I never got to see her perform in person. And now I can’t.
She is a beautiful dancer but not a ballerina. Ballet is not just about performing movements, it is about sensitivity, and her swan is about sport
She is so beautiful!
Misty is the epitome of grace, beauty, class, & pure talent. ♥️ Her presence will be missed on the ballet stage, but I know her next chapter will be just as great as her chapter as a ballerina has been.
She is gifted ❤❤❤
And this is the reason you never allow people, or systems, to speak negativity, and their judgments over you. They may speak it, but you don’t have to except it and never believe it. This beautiful woman didn’t believe the lie.
I’m thankful she didn’t believe it. This was the world‘s gift from the creator. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for you, and for every girl and boy you will inspire.
What a beautiful story! It had me bawling, what a story of resilience and hope
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you, Misty C!!!
I'm truly floored at the fact that one word from an attentive teacher changed her life forever. Wow!
You are a beautiful legend ❤️ Bravo 👏🏾 for your beautiful talents! I'm so very proud of you! Congratulations ❣️
Blessings to all the teachers that have ever stopped to truly see you. You saved so many of us 🥹🩷.
Truly touching to see swan lake played by two black dancers 😭🩷
🩰 1st! BEST BALLERINA! Thank you! WE LOVE YOU & APPRECIATE YOU 🩰
Misty changed her own life through being extremely talented and determined. She also had help that was devoted to her talent.
That's only because of racism
Perfection
I remember this. She has made us so Very Proud ! Love you Misty!❤❤❤❤❤
It never crossed my mind to look up Misty’s height. Hearing that she is my height, is an absolute & complete shock!!!
The funny thing, my Mother wanted me to take ballet lessons. Not only was I a tomboy and wouldn’t be caught dead in pink back then 🤣, but I was way more passionate about gymnastics!!!
Watching her usually brings tears to my eyes, along with goosebumps. Hearing the 3 year average vs. Misty’s 3 months, certainly gave goosebumps from the top of my head on down. 🧡👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
😢 it 💔 breaks my heart that 60 Minutes has been caught up in the corruption of CBS.
So the teacher couldn’t help out the mother? Obviously, they were throw away to her