Quote: Misty Copeland

As a dancer, performing is my life. When I can't dance, I feel lost. So I've had to find that balance that allows me to excel but not push beyond what my body can handle. I know that, as tempting as it may be to keep going and going, putting too much pressure on my instrument [body] could end my ability to dance at all.

~ Misty Copeland from her book Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is one of my favorite ballet dancers and I hope one day I will be able to see her perform live. Her dancing is so inspiring and amazing, it's hard not to be spellbound watching any of her performances.

Her dancing aside, I love this Valentino dress she wore in Cosmopolitan magazine. It's so beautiful and whimsical.

Photography: Regan Cameron for Cosmopolitan magazine (August 2016)

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for February: Life in Motion

Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Cover Designed by Marlyn Dantes
Cover Photo by Gregg Dantes   

Edition: Paperback

Description:

As the only African American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers.

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets.

A sensational memoir as "sensitive" and "clear-eyed" (The Washington Post) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity, and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

The Book Girl's Book Pick for February: Life in Motion

It's the first day of February and that means a new book club pick. Since it's also Black History Month, I thought we could read about Misty Copeland, an amazingly gifted ballerina and one of my favorite dancers, and a history maker in her own right. I think she is so inspirational which is why I'm looking forward to reading this.

If you have any suggestions for book club picks, please leave them in the comment section.

Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Description:

As the only African American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers.

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets.

A sensational memoir as "sensitive" and "clear-eyed" (The Washington Post) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity, and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

Quote: Misty Copeland

"Every day is another opportunity to start again and to be better." ~ Misty Copeland

Picture: Misty Copeland

I love this, it's as if she's floating in the air.

Misty Copeland is on the Cover of Oxygen Magazine

Hey, ballet and dance nerds, Misty Copeland is on the May/June issue of Oxygen magazine. It's already out if want to pick up a copy.

I don't think ballet dancers get enough credit for how strong they are. Just look at her form that's all strength.

Book of Interest: Ballerina Body

I'm really interested in reading this but I have to be honest, I'm not a fan of the cover. A couple of months ago on Twitter, Misty Copeland asked fans to chose which cover they liked best (see choices below).

If I'm walking down the aisle of a bookstore, A is not the cover that would catch my eye. Although it's a more dramatic cover showing a powerful leap, there is too much open space making it easier to overlook. Which is why I like B because it definitely stands out with her presence front and center while also quietly showing her strength and grace. Obviously more fans were in favor of A since it's the one selected, perhaps the paperback edition will feature cover B.

(Image Credit: Twitter: @mistyonpointe)

Book: Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Lighter, Stronger and More Graceful You by Misty Copeland

Publication: March 21, 2017

Description:

The celebrated ballerina and role model, Misty Copeland, shares the secrets of how to reshape your body and achieve a lean, strong physique and glowing health.

Misty Copeland believes "There has been a shift in recent years in which women no longer desire the bare bones of a runway model. Standards have changed: what women do want is a long, toned, powerful body with excellent posture." In other words, the body of a ballerina. In her first health and fitness book, Misty will show women how to find the motivation to get healthier and stronger, and how to reshape their bodies to be lean and flexible, with step-by-step advice, meal plans, workout routines, and words of inspiration.

Celebrating the importance of healthy fats and a fitness regimen based on ballet exercises, Misty shares her own time-tested exercises and an eating plan focusing on healthy fats, both of which keep her in top shape. Tips for motivation and words of encouragement as well as tips on how to keep going even when you may want to give up. An inspiring section on the importance of finding mentors, and eventually being one, plus excerpts from Misty's personal journal, round out this important book on grace and strength.

Toy Corner: Misty Copeland Barbie

This is the Misty Copeland Barbie that I told you a while back that I ordered in May from The Barbie Collection website for $29.95. It showed up at the end of May (yes, I'm just now getting around to posting it) and I think she's pretty cool.

Anyone looking to get this doll, it's no longer available from The Barbie Collection, it's completely sold out. However, after doing a quick search online, I see that it is available at both Toys R Us and Target for $29.99. And most likely it's available at other stores that sell toys. Another option is, you can also buy the doll from private collectors on Amazon.

What do you think, does the doll look like Misty Copeland? I posted a picture of Misty below, let me know if you see or don't see a resemblance.

Toy Corner: Misty Copeland Barbie Doll

My fellow collectors, have you heard the news, Misty Copeland has a Barbie doll. As a ballet nerd and Misty Copeland fan, I knew I had to have this doll. So, I just placed an order for it on The Barbie Collection site.

I'll post pics when I get it.  

Misty Copeland Barbie Doll     $29.95      The Barbie Collection (thebarbiecollection.com)

Quote: Misty Copeland

"The path to your success is not as fixed and inflexible as you think." ~ Misty Copeland

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #3: Misty Copeland: Power and Grace

I have a whole dance category on this blog and with most of the books in that section being about ballet. I think it's a beautiful art.

This book interest me not only for the photography but because Misty Copeland is inspiring. She went after her dreams and succeeded.

Book: Misty Copeland: Power and Grace photography by Richard Corman with words by Misty Copeland

Description:

Power and grace define Misty Copeland―an influential ballet dancer who has broken through difficult barriers to become the first female African-American to be promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Misty has proven adversity can be conquered by reaching higher and working harder to define what is humanly possible, regardless of the path one chooses to follow their dreams. In Misty’s own words, “Finding your power doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, it makes you feel in control, strong, and proud.” Through the stunning black-and-white photography of Richard Corman and Misty’s own words, her inspiring message of hope, strength, and focus speaks to young girls and women. In the introduction, Cindy Bradley, Misty’s ballet teacher who discovered and encouraged Misty to develop her talent and follow her heart, gives context to the obstacles and challenges that helped Misty find her power and achieve success.

Book of Interest: Life in Motion

Who doesn't love the ballet? I do. And I think this book seems interesting with Misty Copeland describing how she was able to succeed as a ballerina especially when the world of ballet still seems to lack a lot of diversity.

I plan to add this to my wish list soon because I really would like to read this.


Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland

Description:

"Picture a ballerina in a tutu and toe shoes. What does she look like?"

As the only African American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, anxious thirteen-year-old to become a ground-breaking ballerina.

When she discovered ballet, Misty was living in a shabby motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for any classical dancer. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life (culminating in a highly publicized custody battle), she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's unique point of view, Misty opens a window into the life of a professional ballerina who lives life center stage: from behind the scenes at her first auditions to her triumphant roles in some of the most iconic ballets. But in this beautifully written memoir, she also delves deeper to reveal the desire and drive that made her dreams reality.

Life in Motion is a story of passion and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.