Misty Copeland Talks “A Ballerina’s Tale”
Closing night of the Urbanworld Film Festival “A Ballerina’s Tale”, directed by Nelson George was excellent! This film described by George as mini snapshots of Misty Copeland’s life as opposed to calling it a documentary, as we took a look into her world about the challenges of becoming a ballerina. Copeland a California native was introduced to ballet as a teenager at her local Boys & Girls Club. The movie depicts her struggle with her confidence, her body issues and challenges of becoming a black ballerina.
Misty Copeland started her career very late by ballerina standards. When most girls start taking ballet lessons from the age of 3, Misty started at 13. She was told that she did not have the body to become a ballet dancer, her chest was too big and that her body was too curvy. She did not let those negatives words crush her will to follow her passion for the dance. To build her confidence she was introduce to many women in the entertainment word as being the first African-American to break the barrier within their fields, such as Diane Carol. From there the film chronicles star rising as she appointed the position of the “Firebird” another break through role within Misty’s career because yet again this has not been a role bestowed to black ballet dancers. Misty preformed this dance like the perfectionist that she is but she was in severe pain. We find out that she has a serious leg injury which is tibia fractures. Doctors said this could be the end of her career, but she found one doctor who bet against the odds and performed a procedure that she was able to continue to perform after a slow journey back through rehabilitation.
Misty’s mentor, Raven Wilkinson became the first African American woman to receive a contract to dance full time with a major ballet company, the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo of New York City. Raven has been a driving force in Misty’s life. In the film you see their bond as they re-enact the movement from “Swan Lake” which they have both performed in their careers. Misty Copeland has endured racism, negativity and told that she can’t when she could. As her billboard ad for Under Armor stated “Will What You Want”! She has absolutely done so by becoming the first female African-America Principal Ballerina for the American Ballet Theater. She continues to dance and inspire many.
Tyrese Gibson’s “Shame” Debuts
Tyrese, the Urbanworld Film Festival Ambassador also debuted his “Shame” 23 minute film earlier that evening for the closing night. It takes place in Detroit in the 1960’s. He plays an up and coming singer who trying to make it in the business. He is married to his background singer played by Jennifer Hudson, but is being tested by his struggles with alcohol and fidelity. His co-star Brely Evans was also in attendance with him as he walked the red carpet. This was another successful year for the Urbanworld Film Festival.
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