As the only African American dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers. A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that most dancers take years to master. Bet when Misty found herself caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and the find the courage to be one of a kind. With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets.

This book has been mailed to brookler of British Columbia, Canada for the 12 Days of Christmas exchange. I had 9 Ladies Dancing, so I am sending her a book about a very special ballerina. (The cover of the book that I am sending is different from the cover shown on bookcrossing.)

Thank you so much for this interesting-looking book about a lady dancing, along with a lady dancing Christmas ornament, and seven other ladies dancing on postcards. Makes me want to start dancing, lol!

I wasn't all that interested in the life of a ballerina, but I did enjoy this book. It was a bit slow in part, but an interesting read. From an impoverished, dysfunctional black family, Misty Copeland was able to enter and excel at a dance form usually reserved for the white and privileged. Her story of breaking barriers and overcoming racism to become one of the most successful ballerinas is both powerful and moving.

left in the Little Free Library up Westview Ave