September 22 / 16

Hi there. It’s been awhile since my last film review, but I’m trying to make up for it. I just seen last year’s A Ballerina’s Tale. This documentary takes on a journey of Misty Copeland, who became the first African-American Female Principle Dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

Not only that, but Copeland also provides the narrative of her rise to receive that honor. Whenever you look at a documentary film, you get a glimpse on that person’s life, just to see what makes them tick and also see the person behind it.

YouTube video from ABC, April 2014

When you think of a ballerina, you see the ballerina flats and tutus, the way their bodies move with the music, telling a story. What do you don’t see is how hard these dancers work. As most of us know, the life a ballerina is not all roses. They work incredibly hard on their craft. For Copeland’s hard work and determination, it paid off. Big time. She was chosen not only to be the principle dancer, but she land a coveted role in Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird” four years ago. Of course the body of a ballerina goes through a lot of ware and tear. Copeland has endured the physical trials that every ballerina knows well, but also the struggle of a black woman in the world of classical ballet.

There are people out there who may think, “Oh, she’s just another light-skinned, mixed race girl….” Yeah.Whatever. It doesn’t matter if your skin is light or dark, African-Americans still have to work extra hard to achieve their goals and Copeland is no exception. As a black woman, myself, I know how it goes. It is what it is.

This documentary is a very decent and right way of knowing who Copeland is and where her future is going. She’s breaking down barriers in the world of classical ballet, letting a new generation of young girls of color know that they too can be a ballerina, showing the world that through hard work and determination, you can reach your dreams and goals.

A Ballerina’s Tale: A

You can see Ballerina’s Tale on Netflix.

Come back tomorrow for @ The Event. Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, be blessed.

featured image: pbs.org