Misty Copeland to guest with Australian Ballet

American Ballet Theatre Principal Misty Copeland will guest star in The Australian Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty on November 22 and 24 at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. The 34-year-old dance superstar was personally invited by Artistic Director David McAllister to perform. She will debut in the sought-after role of Princess Aurora.

Copeland, who is widely known as the first African-American female principal dancer at ABT in New York, has become a celebrity in her own right. An author, brand ambassador and advocate for various causes, she returns to Australia after her last performances at Queensland Performing Arts Centre in September 2014 were a raving success.

Copeland, a role model for many dancers of colour and ethnic diversity, will guest with a company that recently welcomed its second Indigenous dancer, Evie Ferris.

McAllister told The Sydney Morning Herald that he sees Copeland as an example of what can and should be achieved by dancers from all backgrounds.

“For us it’s only the beginning,” McAllister reportedly said. “There’s a lot more work to do in that area but having both Evie and Ella [Havelka] in the company is really good and it will be amazing for them to have Misty here. And for all the new refugees in Australia it would be exciting to see someone like her here, inspiring all those little girls who think ballet is just for white girls and boys.”

To book tickets to see Misty Copeland perform in Sydney, visit www.australianballet.com.au.

Photo: Misty Copeland. Photo by Gregg Delman.