On pointe: Ballerina Misty Copeland speaks to young dancers in Camarillo
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Trailblazing ballet dancer Misty Copeland shared her story with young dancers Friday at the Camarillo Academy of the Performing Arts.
The first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Copeland has performed with the company since 2001.
On Friday, about 40 dancers, who participated in the academy's weeklong Southern California Ballet Intensive, and another 40 guests came to hear Copeland share her story, discuss her new foundation and answer questions, said Stephanie Briones, the academy's artistic director.
"It was a great success," she said. "The dancers were really inspired and excited."
Jennifer Whalen, a friend of Copeland's and an academy dance instructor, facilitated the hourlong talk and question and answer portion.
"The dancers asked such well thought-out questions," Briones said. "(Copeland) was so kind and encouraging."
The dancer also gave out signed copies of her book with Susan Fales-Hill "The Wind at My Back" and took photos with participants.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ballerina Misty Copeland talks to young dancers in Camarillo
