Congratulations, Misty Copeland!

On June 30, the American Ballet Theatre made history with the promotion of dancer Misty Copeland to principal performer. Copeland is the first black female to be named a principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history. Copeland has performed as a soloist with the company, just last week opening as the lead in Swan LakeCongratulations, Misty!

Not only is Misty Copeland a talented and trailblazing dancer, she is also an outspoken advocate for diversity in the world of dance. She started ballet at 13, late in life for a dancer, when she was persuaded to take a free class at a Boys & Girls Club.

Learn more about Misty's story and about other ballerinas who leap to new heights!

The youngest dancers and ballet enthusiasts will love Misty Copeland's Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows A Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebrid. I love the way the beautiful illustrations by Christopher Myers (winner of the 2015 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award) depict the dancers' lean, strong muscles.

Copeland also published a memoir, Life in Motion, last year that reminds readers of all ages to break through barriers in whatever field they're interested in pursuing.

Much like Copeland, the dancer in A Dance Like Starlight lives out her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, in 1950s Harlem.

A Dance Like Starlight is available in multiple formats, including streaming video.

Ballerina Dreams is the true story of Michaela DePrince, another top American ballerina.  As an orphan in Sierra Leone, 3-year-old Michaela found a photo of a ballerina. When she was adopted and came to America, she decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true!

Let Michaela and Misty Copeland inspire you to follow your own dreams!