March 28th 2023.
The esteemed ballerina goes on to make great strides in her career. Misty Copeland has been chosen to receive the 2023 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award, which is bestowed yearly to support the creativity of an impressive visionary artist, as reported by Broadway World.
“We are honoring Misty for her remarkable artistry and success as one of this nation’s most renowned ballerinas,” declared Pamela Tatge, executive and artistic director of Jacob’s Pillow. “We are also acknowledging her work as an activist and innovator. As the Pillow and our field as a whole strive to address systemic racism and the necessity for more equity, inclusion and access in all parts of our work, we are thrilled to honor one of this country’s strongest advocates of broadening the ranks of who belongs in ballet on both sides of the footlights. Misty kept going when many would have given up.”
Originating from Kansas and growing up in San Pedro, California, Copeland started her ballet career at age 13, taking a free ballet class provided by her local Boys & Girls Club. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to hold the role of principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre.
A Broadway actor, philanthropist, mentor, and New York Times bestselling author, Copeland announced her Be Bold program on September 22, an after-school dance program designed for Black and Latino students at two Boys and Girls Clubs in New York City.
“I am humbled to be recognized by Jacob’s Pillow,” Copeland said. “This esteemed team’s long-standing commitment to the arts and dance are in line with my aim to bring this art form to as many people as possible.”
The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award was set up in 2007 by an anonymous contributor who gives $50,000 yearly to Jacob’s Pillow, $25,000 of which goes to the award recipient.
Copeland will accept her award at Jacob’s Pillow’s Season Opening Gala in the Berkshires on Saturday, June 24.
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