Role Models and Stereotypes:
Misty Copeland's Story
Learning Objectives:
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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? |
Reading Activity
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Silently read Newsela article, then discuss:
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Words to Know:
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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.
- 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.
Exit Ticket
Complete the sentence:
I used to think _________________ but now I _____________.
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) |
Common Core Standards
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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 |