First Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre who broke racial barriers in classical ballet and became a cultural icon through Under Armour campaigns and memoir Life in Motion.
Breakthrough
June 2015: Promoted to ABT principal dancer (first Black woman in company’s 75-year history). Announcement went viral, New York Times front page, global ballet world reckoning.
Historical context: Classical ballet’s racism, Eurocentric beauty standards (thin, pale, “ballet body”), lack of Black representation in elite companies.
Path to Stardom
- Late start: Began ballet at 13 (most professionals start at 5-7)
- Adversity: Difficult childhood, body-shamed, told she didn’t have “ballet body”
- Breakthrough role: Firebird (2012 ABT), athleticism showcased
- Memoir: Life in Motion (2014), New York Times bestseller
Cultural Impact
Under Armour campaign (2014): “I Will What I Want” — viral ad showing Misty training while negative comments scroll (“You have the wrong body for ballet”). 5M+ views, empowerment icon.
Representation: Inspired young Black girls, challenged ballet’s whiteness, body diversity advocate
Activism: Spoke about racism in ballet, mentored dancers of color, Arts Education for All
Major Performances
- Swan Lake (ABT, 2015): First Black lead
- The Nutcracker (2016 film): Lead role
- Broadway: On the Town revival (2015)
- Prince tribute: Performed at memorial (2016)
Beyond Dance
Time 100 Most Influential (2015), Barbie doll (2016), author, motivational speaker, fitness icon
Related
- #BlackBallet, #ABT, #BalletDiversity, #UnderArmour, #Representation