HOUSTON – Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer who became the highest-ranking American Ballet Theatre ballerina, was in Houston Monday.
City council member Dwight Boykins hosted the event, "A Conversation with Misty Copeland," which was open to the public. Copeland was joined by Houston Ballet's Lauren Anderson.
Copeland talked about her proudest moment on stage.
"Accomplishing some of these roles that I've been given an opportunity to do. I don't think people understand how much it takes out of you as a person to get through a ballet like 'Swan Lake.' To make it to the end, that's an accomplishment," Copeland said.
Anderson told the story of how Boykins called her to say that they needed to bring Copeland to Houston.
Several dance companies, school districts and youth organizations from across the city also were in attendance. Copeland had advice for some of the young dancers.
"Don't worry so much. Work really, really hard, but just don't get so caught up in the small things and what people think about you, which is so hard, I know, as a young person," said Copeland. "I feel like that would have saved me a lot of stress."
The event was sponsored by H-E-B and The Kingdom Builders' Center.