Watch A Ballerina's Tale

A Ballerina's Tale is a documentary film from 2015 that traces the rise of Misty Copeland, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of our time. Directed by Nelson George, the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Copeland's journey from a young girl with dreams of becoming a ballerina to the first African American female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.

The film takes us back to Copeland's childhood in San Pedro, California, where she was raised by a single mother and discovered her love of dance at the Boys and Girls Club. As a young dancer, Copeland excelled in ballet despite facing numerous challenges, including financial hardships and racial discrimination. Her talent was undeniable, however, and at the age of 13, she was discovered by a teacher who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in ballet.

As Copeland began to make a name for herself in the world of ballet, she faced even more obstacles, including criticism of her body type, which was considered unconventional for a ballerina. She also had to navigate the politics of the ballet world, which was dominated by white dancers and choreographers. But through it all, Copeland remained resilient and focused on her goals.

The film highlights Copeland's groundbreaking achievement of becoming the first African American female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre in 2015, a milestone in the world of dance and a testament to her talent and perseverance. The film features interviews with Copeland's mentors, dance partners, and colleagues, as well as with Copeland herself, as she reflects on her journey and the challenges she has faced along the way.

A Ballerina's Tale also explores the broader issues of diversity and representation in the world of ballet, which has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. The film features interviews with other dancers of color who have faced similar challenges, as well as with experts in the field who are working to make ballet more accessible and diverse.

Overall, A Ballerina's Tale is an inspiring and eye-opening documentary that offers a glimpse into the world of ballet and the remarkable journey of Misty Copeland. Through her story, the film encourages viewers to pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face, and to work towards a more inclusive and diverse world of dance.

A Ballerina's Tale is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 55.