We loved Misty Copeland’s inspiring presence in Under Armor’s ‘I Will What I Want’ campaign, and now we learn more about her story in an interview she recently gave with the Washington Post…

Lillian Cunningham of the Washington Post explains, Copeland “is the first female African American in two decades to reach the rank of soloist with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.” In the interview, Copeland discusses why the word perseverance defines her character, and how she would not be where she is in her career without it. Copeland states, “Perseverance has always just been something that was in me. And it was a tool that came in very handy as a ballerina. Being one of the few African American women to make it to this level in a classical ballet company, the level of American Ballet Theatre, takes a lot of perseverance.”

Misty’s story of perseverance began on the basketball court of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club where she took her first ballet lesson at the age of thirteen. Copeland explains, “Most dancers usually take up to 15 years to get the right amount of training to make it to a professional level (by 17.) I had to shove all of that into four years before I went on to join American Ballet Theatre in New York City.” Realizing how untraditional her own path was, Copeland shares, “that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to be unique, that you can set your own path.”

When asked what she believes to be the key to success, Copeland answers, “Belief in myself. And allowing people to come into my life who believe in me and push me on those days that I just don’t have it in me. I do my best not to allow other people’s words and criticism to get to me, and define me. That’s been a huge part of me staying on this path and my own journey to success.” This statement can be applied to not only dancers, but all people. It is essential that you believe in yourself. If you aren’t in your own corner, then who will be? We encourage you to take Misty’s advice, and continue to persevere until you achieve the goals you have set for yourself!

Watch the video below, and read the rest of Misty’s interview at by The Washington Post