A BALLERINA'S TALE-ABT's Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is renowned for being the 1st African-Amer. to be the 1st soloist with ABT one of the world's major ballet companies.  Admittedly, I didn't appreciate the magnitude of what Misty accomplished or consider fully the barrier that had been in place for far too long.  Nevertheless, the movie is most engaging by Misty's performances. The pride Misty garnered for women of color is discussed in the film as well as acknowledgement of the systemic "white supremacy" that had reigned in the  ballet world.  The film begins with charming footage of Misty dancing as a young teen.  It's remarkable that she came to ballet at 13 and at 15, she was awarded the top honor in a major ballet competition.  Ms Copeland joined ABT Corps de Ballet in 2001.  I relished her exuberance in her early travels to China with the company & her delight in making friends & living in NYC.  However, it wasn't long until Ms Copeland admitted to feeling "alone & sinking in a world that had become home.  I had very mixed feelings and feelings of shame with my body."  The highlights of the film were excerpts of Misty's rehearsals & of her performing Thunder Bird.  She danced her a solo role despite suffering from stress fractures which required surgery.  Following her Dr and chiropracter visits felt voyeuristic and intrusive. Her return to ABT as a soloist after her surgery is nothing short of miraculous.  Credit was given Misty for changing the demographics of the ballet audience.  I am looking forward to attending ABT with Ms. Copeland dancing next week.  I regard Ms. Copeland's talent and dedication with the highest esteem.  I feel this biopic film will have limited appeal apart from  ballet fans.  I hope in this 21st C, we will have shattered any remaining glass ceilings and the tagline of firsts will become an obsolete nomenclature.