The Leadership Dance – Ep. 29: “Legacy in Motion” with Misty Copeland

Host: Alissa Hsu Lynch
Guest: Misty Copeland
Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This inspiring episode celebrates the indelible career and impact of Misty Copeland, the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), bestselling author, producer, and founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation. Just days after her historic farewell performance at ABT, Misty reflects on her legacy, the transition from stage to boardroom, leading with authenticity, the importance of representation, and her mission to expand access to dance and the arts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Misty’s Farewell Performance and Emotional Return to the Stage

(Starts ~01:18)

• Difficult Decision to Say Goodbye:
  Misty shares the process—emotionally and physically—of returning for one final ABT performance after a five-year hiatus, which followed the birth of her son and much work offstage in advocacy and leadership.

  “It was not an easy decision for me … it really did take me five years to get to that place of feeling like, this isn’t about me … to me, this is a moment to say thank you.” – Misty Copeland [03:18]

• Preparation & Challenges:
  Misty candidly discusses training her body anew at age 43:

  “Learning my new body as a dancer…our body’s constantly changing and evolving…so to be able to explore my body in new ways…was quite an interesting journey.” – Misty [04:39]

• Injury on the Night:
  She performed through pain and injury but wouldn’t change a thing about the experience.

• Standing Ovation & Family:
  The unforgettable 15-minute ovation culminated with her son and husband joining her on stage for the first time.

  “I really feel like he changed that night, like he grew up or something. The next morning, Olu and I were saying, a star is born.” – Misty, on her son Jackson [07:01]

2. The Presence of Icons and Community at the Gala

(07:43-09:13)

• Misty describes feeling overwhelmed by the presence of mentors and trailblazers such as Oprah, Debbie Allen, and Cynthia Bradley at her farewell, and by the opportunity to celebrate with and for the Black dance community.

  “Having Debbie and Oprah there...these are women that have opened the door for me to have a voice and a platform...It was just really special to be celebrating this evening, not just for me, but for so many who have gotten me here.” – Misty [08:38]

3. Defining Career Moments & Influence

(09:29-12:39)

• Mentorship Memories & Quotes:
  Misty credits ballet mistress Susan Jaffe with a quote that shaped her resilience:

  “You have so much more control than you think you have, and to not let people's words define you, to not let people's words sink in and affect you.” – Susan Jaffe (quoted by Misty) [10:59]

• The Impact of Firebird:
  Misty recalls performing “The Firebird,” mobilizing Black audiences, and witnessing a cultural shift:

  “That was a moment in time that I will forever remember.” – Misty [12:32]

4. The Misty Copeland Foundation and Ballet Access

(12:39-17:14)

• Mission: Expand access to dance so more children and communities of color see themselves reflected.

  “For me, it’s not about creating future dancers…It’s about creating future leaders.” – Misty [13:47]

• Signature Programs:

  • Be Bold Ballet Exploration — Free ballet in the Bronx and Harlem, led by teachers from the neighborhood, with a curriculum focused on leadership.
  • Be Bolder — Recently launched for adults/seniors, providing community-wide access to dance.

• Intentional Growth:
  Misty highlights the importance of trust and impact before expanding programs.

  “We want there to be impact there before we move on. Real impact and trust in us within these communities…” – Misty [16:17]

5. Leadership Beyond the Stage: Serving on Boards

(17:30-20:57)

• Board Roles:
  Misty now serves on the boards of Lincoln Center, The Shed, and ABT.

  • Why Serve?

    “Being a Black body on the stage, to me, is no longer enough ... to see real change, you’ve got to have a seat at the table in the room where these decisions are being made.” – Misty [18:01]

• Bringing the Artist Perspective:
  She intends to act as a liaison, amplifying dancers’ voices while bringing empathy and openness into board discussions.

6. Misty’s Evolving Definition of Leadership

(20:57-23:23)

• Initially led by instinct, Misty now sees leadership as encompassing empathy and vulnerability, not just strength.

  “Leadership can be sensitive and empathetic and being open and vulnerable… I’ve kind of embraced… these parts of myself…and they can be leadership skills as well.” – Misty [22:44]

7. Lessons from Dance for All Leaders

(23:23-25:31)

• Transferable Skills:
  Routine, resilience, vulnerability, and sensitivity—key in ballet and vital for business and leadership.

  “It’s having this consistency of routine ... walking into a space and almost being a blank canvas, but being ready to be open and vulnerable … the rigor … but not to forget the joy.” – Misty [24:01]

8. Transitioning to New Chapters: Entrepreneurship, Storytelling, and Motherhood

(25:42-29:37)

• Excitement for Next Chapter:
  Producing, writing, and telling neglected stories through movement and art, on her own terms.

  “I want to continue performing and dancing, but I want to do things that I want to do and tell stories that I’m excited about and collaborate with artists that I respect … I’m excited to create.” – Misty [27:18]

• Motherhood’s Impact:
  Parenting has brought Misty more patience, humility, and creative inspiration:

  “You have to focus on yourself ... but at the same time, I’m like, oh, I’m so sick of myself ... To have my son come along ... I can just pour into this little human being.” – Misty [28:03, 28:14]

9. The Power of Partnership

(29:37-32:39)

• On Her Marriage:
  Misty credits her husband Olu’s patience, collaboration, and wisdom as foundational.

  “He’s just very thoughtful. But I think he really showed me what true partnership is, and it’s collaboration, it’s patience and understanding ... He’s shaped me as a woman and as a businesswoman...” – Misty [31:12]

10. Advice for the Next Generation

(33:01-33:29)

• Support Network:

  “Surround yourself with people you trust and people that are gonna be there to support you … when I don’t believe in myself … it’s so important to have other people that are … your support system.” – Misty [33:06]

11. Envisioning Her Legacy

(33:41-34:31)

• What She Hopes to Leave Behind:

  “My true legacy … is opening the doors for all people to feel like this is something they can do, that ballet is for everyone … Ballet, I think, is no longer just a European art form, but … everyone can benefit [from] being a part of, being exposed to the joy of dance.” – Misty [33:50-34:25]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “This isn’t about me. To me, this is a moment to say thank you.” – Misty Copeland [03:19]
• “A star is born.” – Misty Copeland, about her son Jackson [07:01]
• “You have so much more control than you think you have, and … don’t let people’s words define you.” – Susan Jaffe (quoted by Misty) [10:59]
• “For me, it’s not about creating future dancers ... it’s about creating future leaders.” – Misty Copeland [13:47]
• “Being a Black body on the stage...no longer enough ... to see real change, you’ve got to have a seat at the table.” – Misty Copeland [18:01]
• “Leadership can be sensitive and empathetic and being open and vulnerable…” – Misty Copeland [22:44]
• “I want people to remember my dancing, but ... my true legacy ... is opening the doors for all people.” – Misty Copeland [33:54]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Farewell Gala Experience: [01:18–09:13]
• Defining Career & Mentorship Moments: [09:29–12:39]
• Foundation and Access Mission: [12:39–17:14]
• Board Leadership and Representation: [17:30–20:57]
• Evolving Leadership Philosophy: [20:57–23:23]
• Life Lessons from Ballet: [23:23–25:31]
• New Chapters & Motherhood: [25:42–29:37]
• Partnership & Marriage: [29:37–32:39]
• Advice & Legacy: [33:01–34:31]

How to Get Involved

• Misty Copeland Foundation:
  Visit mistycopelandfoundation.org or follow on social media.
  Misty’s Instagram: @mistyonpointe [17:17]

Final Thoughts

This heartfelt and insightful episode offers inspiration for anyone navigating transitions, building community, or envisioning their own legacy. Misty Copeland’s journey from center stage to changemaker in the boardroom and beyond exemplifies both the power of perseverance and the belief that “ballet is for everyone.”