Title: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina
Author: Misty Copeland
First published March 4, 2014
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781476737980 (ISBN10: 1476737983)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Imagine a young girl who defies all odds to become one of the most renowned ballerinas in the world. Misty Copeland is that girl.
As the first African American principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, Misty’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and unwavering determination. From a difficult childhood, where she and her siblings slept on the floor of a motel room, Misty discovered her love for ballet.
In just three months, she was dancing en pointe and, within a year, performing on professional stages. But her journey to the top was not without its struggles.
Caught between the demands of ballet and the realities of her own life, Misty had to make tough choices to follow her dreams. In this captivating memoir, Misty takes us behind the scenes of a ballerina’s life, from the thrill of auditions to the pressure of iconic performances.
With incredible insight, she shares the passion and drive that propelled her to success, inspiring readers to pursue their own dreams with the same fervor. A poignant tale of triumph over adversity, Life in Motion is a must-read for anyone who has ever dared to dream big.
About the Author
Have you heard of Misty Danielle Copeland? She’s a talented ballet dancer who performs for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), which is one of the top classical ballet companies in the US.
What’s even more impressive is that on June 30, 2015, Copeland made history by becoming the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. It’s a huge accomplishment and a testament to Copeland’s hard work and skill.
Editoral Review
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland is a touching and inspiring memoir about one woman’s journey to overcome adversity and become a world-renowned ballerina. Published on March 4, 2014, the book explores themes of determination, perseverance, and the power of self-belief.
Misty Copeland is not your typical ballerina. Born into poverty and raised by a single mother, Misty’s path to success was anything but smooth.
But despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Misty remained committed to her dream, even when it seemed out of reach. Through hard work, dedication, and a fierce determination to succeed, she eventually became the first African American woman to be promoted to the rank of principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
The book provides a candid account of Misty’s life and career. She writes honestly about the challenges she faced, including personal and professional setbacks, racial discrimination, and body image issues.
But throughout it all, Misty’s love for dance and her unwavering determination to succeed shine through. The book is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions transporting readers directly into Misty’s world.
The pacing is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the last to create a compelling and emotional narrative. The book also provides valuable insights into the world of ballet, shedding light on the intense physical and emotional demands of the art form.
While the book is primarily focused on Misty’s journey, it also touches on larger issues of race, gender, and representation in the arts. Misty’s experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the barriers that still exist for people of color in the arts, and her success is a testament to the importance of representation and diversity.
Although Life in Motion is a powerful and inspiring book, it does have its limitations. Some readers may find the book overly sentimental or romanticized, as Misty often paints a rosy picture of her life and career.
Additionally, the book may be lacking in critical reflection, as Misty’s perspective is often presented without much analysis or evaluation. Overall, Life in Motion is an excellent memoir that will inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Misty’s triumph over adversity and her pioneering status as an African American ballerina make her story both unique and universally relatable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in dance, memoirs, or stories of perseverance and triumph over adversity.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
