Misty Copeland spends most days dancing and practicing. She takes classes almost every day. As a1in American Ballet Theatre(芭蕾舞剧团), she takes great care of body so she doesn't injure(伤害)it.
" treat my2with respect(尊敬) that any music would go with it. I accept all that it is and do my3to make it the best it can be. I love my body. " says Misty.
Misty didn't always feel so confident in4. The challenges she faced over almost 20 years of dancing have made her strong.
She was a5child and always avoided others' eyes many years ago. But Misty loved6and dancing. When she was 13, she attended a free ballet class at her school in San Pedro, California. For two weeks, Misty sat on the gym bleacher(露天看台) watching the class, afraid to7it. She felt out of place in the class because she knew8about ballet, and she was older than most of the students. And she even didn't wear like the other girls. Over time,9, she began to enjoy the lessons. She discovered that her body10her long legs -- was just right for ballet.
Today, Misty says, "I've learned to11my appearance, skin color, and body. "She wants to help other dancers, especially those of color, accept the mselves, too. She wrote a picture book, Firebird, in which her character encourages a young African American12. At the end of the book, Misty tells readers to13their dreams: "No matter what that dream is, you have the power to14it come true with hard work and practice."
Misty continues to follow her own dreams, too. "I will15stop dancing and always try to be a better self. " says Misty.
