Role Models and Stereotypes:
​Misty Copeland's Story
Learning Objectives:
  • Students will learn about Misty Copeland, her story and her reflections about being the first African American Principal Dancer.
  • Students will identify ways in which role models and stereotypes influence what young people want to be when they grow up. 
 How did you feel while watching the video?
 What does Misty mean when she says “I didn’t fit the mold.”
 How is Misty Copeland a role model for others?
​ What more do you want to know about Misty Copeland?
Full length documentary on youtube to rent or buy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRNdjREU_Uo

Reading Activity

copeland-ballet-11042-article_only.pdf
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copeland-balletfame-12605-article_only.pdf
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Silently read Newsela article, then discuss:
  • Why is Misty Copeland famous?
  • Why is she an example and a role model? why does she say it is extra important because "I'm a black ballerina." ?
  • Why do you think Misty Copeland is excited to be a "Principal Dancer"?
  • What are some words you would use to describe Misty Copeland?
  • What is a stereotype? Give an example.
Words to Know:
  • role model
  • stereotype -  An oversimplified generalization about a person or group of people without regard for individual differences. Even seemingly positive stereotypes that link a person or group to a specific positive trait can have negative consequences. 
  • principal dancer
Additional information about Misty Copeland:
  • Misty Copeland is a thirty-three year old ballerina who recently became the first African American performer to be appointed as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater in its 75 year history. Copeland joined the studio company of American Ballet Theatre in 2000, becoming a soloist several years later and starring in a range of productions such as The Nutcracker and Firebird.

  • The ballerina has written two autobiographical books; one for adults called Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, a New York Times best-selling memoir and the award-winning children’s picture book Firebird. In April, 2015, Copeland was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine and a new documentary film about her life called A Ballerina’s Tale was released in October 2015.
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  • Copeland has talked publicly and extensively about the harmful influence of stereotypes of being a ballerina and also how being the first African American principal dancer makes her an important role model for children of color. 

Read Aloud

Next, gather in reading lounge to enjoy a read aloud of Misty's book, Firebird.
​

Firebird
​by Misty Copeland
Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Exit Ticket

Complete the sentence:

I used to think _________________ but now I _____________. 




Do You Want to Know More?
Misty Copeland's Website gallery:  http://mistycopeland.com/images/

Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
 The mistycopeland.com/Official Website of Misty Copeland
​ Misty Copeland Biography (Biography.com)
Misty Copeland Is Promoted to Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theater” (The New York Times, June 30, 2015)
Misty Copeland makes a point of dancing for unlikely fans (Video: PBS News Hour)
 "Misty Copeland on Love, Life and Leaps of Faith” (Elle, May 29, 2014) 

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Common Core Standards

role-models-and-stereoptypes-misty-copelands-story.pdf
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Lesson adapted from www.adl.org/education-outreach.orgwww.adl.org/education-outreach.org

​www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/assets/pdf/education-outreach/role-models-and-stereoptypes-misty-copelands-story.pdf