Ford (right) interviews Copeland. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
People listen to Copeland speak. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
Gregory A. Hill, CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library, introduces Copeland. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
Gregory A. Hill (left) gives a literary award to Copeland. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
Local author Ashley C. Ford (right) interviews Copeland. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
A child asks Copeland a question after her lecture. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
Ashley C. Ford laughs while talking with Copeland. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy 
Misty Copeland (left) signs books after speaking at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Credit: Azia Ellis-Singleton for Mirror Indy
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This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenter Bréone Dupree, who covered the Indianapolis Public Library’s annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture.
What Happened
On March 20, world renowned dancer and author Misty Copeland visited Indianapolis to talk about her passion for dance, literature and mentorship.
Copeland shared that dance unlocked her greatest potential when school didn’t “click.” She later became the first African-American Principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history.
Ashley C. Ford, who is the New York Times best-selling author of “Somebody’s Daughter,” interviewed Copeland for the 2024 Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture.
The annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture series was established after the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation received a gift from the estate of Marian McFadden. McFadden served as the director of Indianapolis public libraries from 1945 to 1956.
“When it came to being in school, I never felt like I was learning. I was just kind of surviving,” Copeland said.
[To read the full brief by Documenter Breone Dupree, click here.]
Learning dance opened everything for Copeland. “I was better in school. I grew immensely in a short period of time,” she said. “I understand the value of arts and specifically dance education. It completely changed my whole path.”
Copeland has written and collaborated on eight books, along with mastering ballet. She thanked Black women for being mentors to her throughout her career.
“It’s so fulfilling to tell stories of little brown girls, hopefully in the future little brown boys,” she said. “Writing books about young dancers that are boys and encouraging them to continue on that journey and feel supported.”
Copeland wants young people to feel supported on their journeys.
“It’s so fulfilling to tell stories of little brown girls,
Misty Copeland
hopefully in the future little brown boys.”
Copeland said that people’s reactions to her stories keep her writing.
Ford asked Copeland to talk about the importance of mentorship in her life. Copeland said her first ballet teacher allowed her to move into her home. From there, Copeland said support from other Black women like actress Victoria Rowell changed everything for her.
“I think that’s when mentors started flooding in. Prince was a mentor of mine as well,” she said. “It has literally been the backbone of my success.”
Copeland said Prince stood by her side, cheering her on and asking about her goals.
The Misty Copeland Foundation offers free after school ballet, and focuses on leadership development through the arts. Currently, they serve over 250 children in Harlem and Brooklyn.
Copeland said the goal is to open their minds to something different to change their life trajectory.
Conversation takeaways
Ford asked Copeland, “How do we adults create the community and the environment, the resources and the access so that the children who grow up in Indianapolis don’t have to say, ‘I always wanted to take an art class, and I never got to try.”
“I think it’s about educating ourselves,” Copeland replied. “Whenever live performances are happening, bring your children, bring your family. It’s really about investing and supporting the arts when it’s right there in front of you and your community.”
[Library reading list: Precision and Pain: The Fiction of Ballet]
She said local art support can help communities create future art lovers in the next generation.
The event ended with questions from young dancers from Kids Dance Outreach.
Questions from the audience
Mya, a dancer, asked, “How did you navigate being a Black dancer in a white world?”
Copeland said it’s about having a mentor and support system.
“When I first joined the American Ballet Theatre, there was a handful of Black men. It was good for me to have that support and figure out how to navigate this space,” she said. “I realized that it’s important for me to give other people the benefit of the doubt.”
Riley, a dancer, asked, “What advice would you give the next generation of dancers?”
Copeland said, “You have the power to not let other people’s words define you.” She also said comparison is the thief of joy and to listen to your support system. “Know that those are the voices that matter,” she said.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Award
Indianapolis Public Library CEO, Gregory Hill Sr., awarded Copeland the Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Award for her memoir, “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina,” and her children’s books.
What’s Next?
- The next Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture is in 2025.
[The Indianapolis Public Library’s sights and sounds from the 2024 McFadden Memorial Lecture]
Ariana Beedie is Mirror Indy’s community journalism director. Follow her on Instagram at @ari.beedie. Want to join Documenters? Learn more here.
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