What is Misty Copeland's Net Worth?
Misty Copeland is an acclaimed American ballet dancer with a net worth of $1.5 million. She dances for the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and is celebrated as the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the company's history. Her influence extends beyond the dance world; she is also a public speaker, stage actor, author, and celebrity spokesperson. Copeland narrated the documentary film "A Ballerina's Tale," which chronicles her remarkable life and career.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, Misty Copeland was raised in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, Doug and Sylvia, are of German, Italian, and African-American descent. Misty is the youngest of four children from her mother's second marriage and has two younger half-siblings from subsequent marriages. She spent years estranged from her father. Initially residing in Bellflower, California, with her mother and stepfather Harold, she later moved to LA with her mother and new stepfather Robert. Misty attended Point Fermin Elementary and Dana Middle School, where she captained the drill team before moving on to San Pedro High School.
Career Beginnings
After her mother separated from her fourth husband, Misty moved to Gardena and began ballet classes with Cynthia Bradley. She became very close to the Bradley family, living with them and signing a management contract at just 14. That same year, she won a national ballet contest and made her solo debut as Clara in "The Nutcracker," followed by performances in "Don Quixote" and "The Chocolate Nutcracker." Misty homeschooled with the Bradleys during the latter part of high school and won first place at the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards at 15. She attended a summer workshop at the San Francisco Ballet School but opted to stay with the Bradleys, hoping to join the American Ballet Theatre.
Custody Battle
In 1998, a custody battle ensued between Misty's mother and the Bradleys. Misty filed for emancipation while her mother applied for restraining orders against the Bradleys. Eventually, both parties withdrew their legal actions, and Misty returned home to study under Diane Lauridsen, a former American Ballet Theatre dancer.
American Ballet Theatre, 1999-2015
In 1999, Misty joined the ABT's summer intensive program, later becoming part of the ABT Studio Company in 2000. By 2001, she was a member of the corps de ballet. Over the years, Misty performed in numerous productions like "The Sleeping Beauty," "La Bayadère," "Raymonda," and "Swan Lake." She had standout performances in "Tarantella" in 2005 and as Blossom in "Cinderella" in 2006. In August 2007, she was promoted to soloist, becoming one of the few African-American women in ABT’s history to achieve this position. Some of her notable performances as a soloist include: "Baker's Dozen," "Company B," "Le Corsaire," and "Othello."
Getty
ABT Principal Dancer
In June 2015, Misty became the first African-American woman in ABT's 75-year history to be named a principal dancer. Her stunning performances in "Monotones I," "AfterEffect," "Souvenir de Florence," and other productions captivated audiences. In 2019, she performed in "Harlequinade" alongside Calvin Royal III.
Other Media Appearances
Beyond ballet, Misty appeared as a guest judge on the 11th season of "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2014. In 2015, she made her Broadway debut as Ivy Smith in "On the Town." She also narrated the documentary "A Ballerina's Tale." Misty has walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, served as a guest judge on "World of Dance," and appeared in ad campaigns for brands like T-Mobile, Dr. Pepper, Seiko, and Under Armour.
Business Ventures and Books
In 2011, Misty launched a dancewear line called M by Misty and later introduced a sportswear label named Greatness Wins. She co-authored the memoirs "Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina" and "The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson." Additionally, she wrote children's books such as "Firebird" and "Bunheads," as well as the health and fitness guide "Ballerina Body."
Personal Life
Misty married attorney Olu Evans in 2016, after being introduced by Evans's cousin, actor Taye Diggs. The couple lives in Manhattan's Upper West Side with their son.
