Misty Copeland: Breaking Barriers in Ballet
Misty Copeland was not a typical ballerina. In the world of professional dance, most performers start their training when they are toddlers, barely old enough to tie their own shoes. Misty, however, did not take her first ballet class until she was thirteen years old. In the competitive world of classical dance, thirteen is considered very late to start. Despite this, Misty possessed a natural talent and a fierce determination that would eventually change the face of American ballet forever.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Misty grew up in a busy household with five siblings. Her family faced many financial struggles, and they often moved from place to place. Life was sometimes stressful, but Misty found joy in movement. She loved to watch gymnastics on television and became the captain of her middle school drill team. Her teacher noticed how graceful she was and suggested she try a free ballet class at the local Boys & Girls Club. At first, Misty was shy and hesitant. She didnât know anything about classical music or the strict positions of ballet, but she decided to give it a try.
- Prodigy:
- A person, especially a child, who has extraordinary talent in a specific area.
- Principal Dancer:
- The highest rank a dancer can achieve in a professional ballet company.
- Resilient:
- The ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions or injuries.
- En Pointe:
- A ballet technique of dancing on the very tips of the toes using special hardened shoes.
- Corps de ballet:
- The group of dancers in a ballet company who perform together as a large unit.
- perseverance:
- The quality of continuing to work toward a goal even when facing difficulties or delays.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts â all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1At what age did Misty Copeland take her first ballet class, and why was this considered unusual?
- 2Where did Misty's first ballet lesson take place?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this biography passage for Upper Elementary
âMisty Copeland: Breaking Barriers in Balletâ is a biography reading passage about Misty Copeland, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 5 minutes to read (690 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.