By: Melody B. Reed
Book Review of Firebird: Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird by Misty Copeland To continue the discussion from last week on Ballet, I will be sharing my thoughts on Misty Copeland's first picture book Firebird: Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird, illustrated by Christopher Myers. Copeland made history last year as the first African-American female to be promoted to principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater (ABT). Copeland began her ballet training at the age of thirteen, which is considered very late in the ballet world. This fact highlights her determination and talent. |
She knew from a young age the ballet world was traditionally “white.” She says in the letter in the back of her book, “ . . . when I opened up ballet books, I didn’t see myself. I saw an image of what a ballerina should be, and she wasn’t me, brown with tendrils sweeping her face. I needed to find ME.” Copeland wrote this picture book for the children out there now, dreaming and hoping to someday be on the stage. She goes on to say, “This book is you and me. I want to expand the idea of beauty and art.” |
Firebird is a lyrical conversation between a young girl (words in italics) and the dancer (words in boldface). In the beginning Copeland portrays the hopelessness of the young girl, “I’m gray as rain/ heavy as naptime, low as a storm pressing on rooftop/ I could never hope to leap the space between.” Her words create bleak images in the mind of the reader. But, then the dancer reassures, “darling child, don’t you know/you’re just where I started/ let the sun shine of your face/ your beginning’s just begun.” These words, along with Myer’s beautiful illustration of the dancer with her hand on the young girl’s shoulder, bring warmth and comfort and most importantly encouragement. By the end of the conversation, the young girl understands that distance between them “is not so far away.” |
“Firebird ballet is a story full of magic and love. It tells the story of Prince Ivan's
journey to win the heart of his princess but first, he has to get past the evil magician, Kostcheï. Firebird ballet is performed by famous ballet companies around the world . . .”
I have met Misty Copeland. She is gracious, kind and a powerful speaker. I met her at a book signing for her memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. This story tells how she went from living in a “shabby motel room” to dancing for one of the prestigious ballet companies in the world. While this book is written for adults, older children will find encouragement from reading about the obstacles Copeland had to overcome to get where she is now. She is truly a role model, not just for aspiring dancers of color, but anyone who thinks they can’t achieve their dreams. |
Below is a YouTube featuring an interview and footage of Copeland performing the
role of “Firebird”
role of “Firebird”
Published on Apr 6, 2014
American Ballet Theatre dancer Misty Copeland on overcoming adversity in the
classical ballet world ABC NEWS
Note: Interview occurred before her promotion to Principal Dancer
American Ballet Theatre dancer Misty Copeland on overcoming adversity in the
classical ballet world ABC NEWS
Note: Interview occurred before her promotion to Principal Dancer