Misty Copeland spends most days twisting, spinning and 1. She practices and 2 the graceful movements of her art. When she isn't performing she is practicing. When she isn't practicing, she is stretching. She takes classes almost every day. She takes care of her body so she doesn't 3 it when she goes to work in a ballet theatre.
"I treat my body with the respect that any musician would to their 4." says Misty. "I love my body," she adds.
Was she 5 confident? Actually, she was a 6 girl and avoided the spotlight. But Misty loved music and movement. When she was thirteen, Misty's teacher suggested she 7 a free ballet class at the Boys&Girls Club. For two weeks, Misty sat on the gym bench watching the class, afraid to 8. Finally, she gave it a 9. At first, she felt 10in the class. She didn't know anything about ballet, and she was 11 than most of the students. Over time, 12, she began to enjoy the lessons. She discovered that her body — especially her long legs and flexible muscles — was just 13 for ballet. After the class season ended, Misty received a scholarship to a nearby dance studio. Most ballerinas (女舞者) start their training much younger than thirteen. But Misty's natural abilities and hard work made her improve quickly.
Over the next five years, ballet was Misty's 14. She practiced, performed, competed and attended ballet programs. "Performing was my favourite part because I felt 15 and open onstage," she says. "For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged."
