Misty Copeland Speaks about the Importance of Practicing Positivity on Social Media

Misty Copeland continues to inspire young women to follow their dreams, and her latest interview with New York Magazine’s The Cut is no exception.

The first black ballerina to be a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre is speaking out about her struggles with body image, the importance of positive social media, and her major accomplishments in the positive interview.

When speaking about her toned bod, Copeland told the mag, “I’ve struggled with body-image issues and finding a way to fit in and create a new path for the typical body type of a ballerina.”

#Repost @nycdanceproject ・・・ We are remembering the Misty Copeland Degas inspired photo shoot we did for Harper’s Bazaar in March. The Degas exhibit that inspired this at @themuseumofmodernart is closing this Sunday – try to see it if you get a chance! Dress by @maisonvalentino @harpersbazaarus @mistyonpointe #theartofmovement #nycdanceproject #degas #mistycopeland #misty #harpersbazaar #moma

A photo posted by Misty Copeland (@mistyonpointe) on Jul 21, 2016 at 6:21am PDT

“I’ve had so many issues throughout my career finding the right support — even in something like finding leotards to fit a larger butt. But beyond the physical, I’ve had incredible mentors throughout my career that have gotten me to this place,” she continued.

In regards to her influence on young girls, she’s very aware of her pull. Misty said that she is conscious of what she posts on her social media accounts because she knows that it can play a major role in young women’s decisions.

“I met a girl yesterday who said that she was going to quit dancing, but then she read my book and changed her mind because she could see that her dreams were still possible. It’s amazing that this generation of young people can find that support online. Inspiring other people is something that I’m always conscious of when I post things,” she said.

Just more than one year ago, Misty was named the first black principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in the course of its 75-year existence. The important announcement came after more than 14 years with ABT. More than eight of those years were as a soloist.

Copeland spoke to the Cut about this important moment and said, “It’s amazing to be able to be this symbol to what’s possible in classical ballet and at this level. I don’t think of it as me, but as what I represent and all of the people that came before me that were never given a chance to have the opportunities that I have.”