Advice: How Ballerina Misty Copeland Handles Criticism + Self Doubt

Overcoming Challenges with Courage and Perseverance

Ballerina Misty Copeland has faced criticism and self-doubt throughout her groundbreaking career. As the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, she persevered through many obstacles on her inspiring journey.

Learning Confidence Despite Naysayers

Copeland began ballet lessons at age 13 – much later than most professional dancers. She was told her body was not right for ballet. However, with strong self-belief and dedication to her craft, she gained the confidence to move forward.

Seeing Value Within When Others Couldn’t

Though constantly confronted with rejection, Copeland recognized her own inherent gifts. She nurtured her talents rather than internalize the narrow perceptions of others. This ability to mine her inner wisdom was key to unlocking her potential.

Cultivating Compassion Along the Way

On her path to success, Copeland encountered many who aimed to diminish her humanity. However, she resolved not to perpetuate harm. Instead she surrounded herself with positive role models who appreciated her worth. This choice cultivated compassion.

Remembering Her Reason Why

During storms of criticism, Copeland anchored herself to her driving purpose – to open doors for those typically excluded from elite ballet. This motivation fueled her resilience to keep dancing bravely when others said she couldn’t.

FAQ

What obstacles did Misty Copeland have to overcome?

Copeland had to overcome starting ballet very late, criticisms about her body type, racism and exclusion in the elite ballet world, and people constantly telling her she couldn’t make it as a professional ballerina.

How did Misty Copeland gain confidence despite the naysayers?

Though rejected frequently, Copeland cultivated strong self-belief by nurturing her talents rather than internalizing others’ limited perceptions. This ability to mine her inner wisdom and recognize her inherent gifts was key.

How did Misty Copeland respond to those trying to diminish her?

Rather than perpetuate harm, Copeland surrounded herself with positive role models who appreciated her humanity and worth. She resolved to meet criticism with compassion.

What motivated Misty Copeland to keep persevering?

Copeland anchored herself to her driving purpose – to open doors for minorities typically excluded from elite ballet companies. This motivation fueled her resilience to keep dancing despite naysayers.

What lessons can we learn from Misty Copeland’s journey?

We can learn to cultivate self-confidence from within rather than rely on external validation. We can also learn the power of perseverance guided by purpose, while meeting challenges with compassion rather than harm.