When Misty Copeland was named a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, she not only became the first female African-American to reach that position in the company's history, but also joined a very small group of African-American women who had become principal dancers at any major U.S. ballet company. She has in turn focused her efforts to reduce the barriers that can keep younger dancers, particularly those of color, from accessing dance instruction. Her Misty Copeland Foundation is committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the dance world, beginning with its BE BOLD program, launched this past Fall, that offers dance instruction to students in partnership with several Boys & Girls Clubs in New York. A Tempo host Rachel Katz this week speaks with Caryn Campbell, the foundation's newly appointed Executive Director, and Sindy Folgar, BE BOLD Program Director.
