babynoz said:

errant said:

can someone tell me what she could possibly have to say?

Gotta love the org...people ready to pounce before the lady even opens her mouth.

I guess when you're that bitter some of it spills out of your mouth from time to time.

Seems they're going to repeat it on March 1st for anyone who missed it(like me).

2elijah said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Well...what happened?

I'll give a quick rundown of the interview:

15 minute interview. Tavis pretty much kept the focus of the interview on Misty's career. They showed 2 snippets of Misty in previous ABT performances. Misty was calm, and she held up very well during the interview. Tavis basically just asked her about what is what like to be the first African-American with the ABT. She stated she humbly takes that position with pride and happy she's been given that opportunity.

He also asked her opinion and based on her experience as a ballet dancer, if there are other persons of color, (I guess he meant in large numbers)with an interest in ballet. Misty stated (paraphrasing) they are out there, but often not given the opportunity to expose their talent in that particular form of dance. Tavis also asked her about her how she felt about being given the opportunity to showcase her art of dance on stage with Prince. Misty stated she is grateful to dance in Prince's shows, (but did not expound on how that opportunity came about), and grateful that she is able to expose her form of dance/talent to a different audience, while being part of his show. Misty also stated that hopefully that will open up an interest to those attending Prince's show, to come out and see some ballet performances at the Metropolitan Opera house. She states she was raised in San Pedro, CA and discovered there. That's just about it. I'm sure others who saw the interview will add their take.

Also, Tavis asked her if ballet is a lot of stress on the body, and she states, you get callouses, but also gain strength as a dancer, and your body gets used to that after awhile. She also stated that her passion/future (paraphrasing) is with ballet. Mama Copeland was also in the audience, but the camera did not show her.

Good run down of the interview. She is very articulate & sexy at the same time rare combination. Tavis did focus the interview on her & her professional involvement with Prince. But with him being so very close to Prince of course he is going to mention him. That purple dress fitted her well. wonder did Prince have it made 4 her. It looks like his style..........

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

2elijah said:

I'll give a quick rundown of the interview:

15 minute interview. Tavis pretty much kept the focus of the interview on Misty's career. They showed 2 snippets of Misty in previous ABT performances. Misty was calm, and she held up very well during the interview. Tavis basically just asked her about what is what like to be the first African-American with the ABT. She stated she humbly takes that position with pride and happy she's been given that opportunity.

He also asked her opinion and based on her experience as a ballet dancer, if there are other persons of color, (I guess he meant in large numbers)with an interest in ballet. Misty stated (paraphrasing) they are out there, but often not given the opportunity to expose their talent in that particular form of dance. Tavis also asked her about her how she felt about being given the opportunity to showcase her art of dance on stage with Prince. Misty stated she is grateful to dance in Prince's shows, (but did not expound on how that opportunity came about), and grateful that she is able to expose her form of dance/talent to a different audience, while being part of his show. Misty also stated that hopefully that will open up an interest to those attending Prince's show, to come out and see some ballet performances at the Metropolitan Opera house. She states she was raised in San Pedro, CA and discovered there. That's just about it. I'm sure others who saw the interview will add their take.

Also, Tavis asked her if ballet is a lot of stress on the body, and she states, you get callouses, but also gain strength as a dancer, and your body gets used to that after awhile. She also stated that her passion/future (paraphrasing) is with ballet. Mama Copeland was also in the audience, but the camera did not show her.

That purple dress fitted her well. wonder did Prince have it made 4 her. It looks like his style..........

jeezus christ, you really are reaching

so after reading that run-down, I feel justified.

errant said:

so after reading that run-down, I feel justified.

Not a fan of the ballet I take it?

babynoz said:

errant said:

so after reading that run-down, I feel justified.

Not a fan of the ballet I take it?

Not really. But looking at the recap, the blame appears to be Tavis' usual suck-ass style. What's it like to be the first African American ballet star? Do black people like the ballet? Is ballet hard on the body?

Maytiana said:

armpit said:

I think if you realizedt how transparently catty you just sounded, you would've kept that to yourself.

That girl didn't do jackshit to you and you're shitting on her - why? Because she might be dating Prince?

Even if she weren't, you wouldn't be, either.

And before someone goes assuming - no, I'm not Misty. I think Misty has too much class to respond to bullshit like that.

I was joking smart ass

You take things too seriously about someone you aren't.

Yeah, now you were joking. Suuure.

I'd rather be someone who stands up for people being bullied and shat on for no reason, than someone like you who thinks shitting on people is a perfectly acceptable and okay thing to do.

Don't hate on her - go out and accomplish your own shit.

2elijah said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Well...what happened?

I'll give a quick rundown of the interview:

15 minute interview. Tavis pretty much kept the focus of the interview on Misty's career. They showed 2 snippets of Misty in previous ABT performances. Misty was calm, and she held up very well during the interview. Tavis basically just asked her about what is what like to be the first African-American with the ABT. She stated she humbly takes that position with pride and happy she's been given that opportunity.

He also asked her opinion and based on her experience as a ballet dancer, if there are other persons of color, (I guess he meant in large numbers)with an interest in ballet. Misty stated (paraphrasing) they are out there, but often not given the opportunity to expose their talent in that particular form of dance. Tavis also asked her about her how she felt about being given the opportunity to showcase her art of dance on stage with Prince. Misty stated she is grateful to dance in Prince's shows, (but did not expound on how that opportunity came about), and grateful that she is able to expose her form of dance/talent to a different audience, while being part of his show. Misty also stated that hopefully that will open up an interest to those attending Prince's show, to come out and see some ballet performances at the Metropolitan Opera house. She states she was raised in San Pedro, CA and discovered there. That's just about it. I'm sure others who saw the interview will add their take.

Also, Tavis asked her if ballet is a lot of stress on the body, and she states, you get callouses, but also gain strength as a dancer, and your body gets used to that after awhile. She also stated that her passion/future (paraphrasing) is with ballet. Mama Copeland was also in the audience, but the camera did not show her.

[Edited 2/24/11 6:12am]

Thanks for this, I didn't get to watch the show.

I'm just glad to find out she's gonna keep dancing.

I remember when I was a kid, seeing her on tv and thinking that was so cool, another black girl like me, doing ballet...

Okay, here's the link to the video, for those who missed it:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/t...0127#video

Here's the transcript of the interview, if you can's see the video from where you are:

Tavis Smiley interview with Misty Copeland:

2/23/11

Tavis: Misty Copeland is a talented ballet dancer and the first African American female soloist at the American Ballet Theater. She has also recently toured with our friend Prince, which follows her appearance in his video. Before we get to all that, though, here she is in a performance of the ballet Giselle.

[Film clip of ballet performance]

Tavis: Yeah, exactly.

Misty Copeland: Thank you.

Tavis: I wanted you here because you're good, I wanted you here because I saw you at Madison Square Garden, on stage with Prince, and had a chance to meet you, and I wanted you here because you made some history, being the first African American female soloist.

But the timing of our conversation couldn't be more propitious, couldn't be better, given all the hype about the ballet these days, courtesy of Hollywood and "Black Swan."

Copeland: It's great.

Tavis: So what are we to make - what do you think of all the energy around ballet now, thanks to the film?

Copeland: It's exciting that we're getting the recognition. I feel this art form should get - I think it has a reputation for being very elite, and people feel like they can't relate to it. So it's great that Hollywood and the hip-hop industry, the music industry, is taking notice and involving us. I think it's great.

Tavis: You think it is an elitist art form?

Copeland: Just because I think it takes money to get the right training, and so therefore it has been considered an elite art form.

Tavis: How did it happen for you, then? If it takes a bunch of money, unless you're going to tell me you're independently wealthy, and I didn't know that. I didn't come across that in my research, but I see your mama sitting to the side, shaking her head, "No, it's not because we're independently wealthy." So since it is an expensive venture, how did it happen for you?

Copeland: Ballet found me, I guess you could say. I was discovered by a teacher in middle school. I always danced, my whole life. I never had any training, never was exposed to seeing dance, but I always had something inside of me. I would love to choreograph and dance around, and I had a teacher, when I was trying out for the cheerleading drill team, and she noticed my talent and suggested that I take ballet lessons. I was 13, and -

Tavis: Is 13 a little - it sounds funny to say - is 13 a little old to be starting ballet?

Copeland: Thirteen is a very late age, especially for a woman. It's more common with men, because you have to get the body before it changes, so that you can mold it. So yes, I started at a late age, and I decided within a couple of months that I was going to do this professionally, because I didn't have much time to get the right training. So I decided I was going to devote everything, so for the next four years I trained and then joined American Ballet Theater.

Tavis: How do you, in the space of time when you're already starting late, make up that ground and become good at it?

Copeland: Finding great training, I think, is number one. Did a lot of research and found really great teachers, and it just takes - I took a year off from school and did independent studies so that I could devote all of my time to it. But I think that training is the key, definitely, and I devoted my life to it. I still am doing that.

Tavis: Speaking of training, one can't see this movie, "Black Swan," at least this one person couldn't, and walk away not just feeling for the dancer. This thing, it's beautiful to see - let me put it this way. I don't know that I've ever seen anything so beautiful and yet so painful. I see you smiling already - you know where I'm going with this.

It's a beautiful thing to watch, but it looks like you all go through so much pain to make all that happen. So is the movie accurate, is it inaccurate?

Copeland: It definitely draws from things that I'm sure a lot of dancers have gone through and that have happened. It's exaggerated a little bit, but I think it's a great portrayal of how much dedication and hard work it takes, and how much we put into doing a role. It's just like an actor would, preparing for a role. I think that because it's an art form, people don't get to see the other side.

It's not a sport, and so we're not supposed to make it look like it's work or like it's hard, but -

Tavis: But it is.

Copeland: It's extremely, extremely difficult.

Tavis: On a regular basis, what kind of - for those of us who go to a gym regularly, on any given day you're going to be feeling some pain, depending on what the workout was. But on a regular day, how do you physically feel most of the time? Are your toes hurting? How do you feel, typically?

Copeland: There are things that your body gets used to. When I was younger, my feet would hurt a lot, but you build up calluses and strength and you don't feel as much pain there. But then again, it's a give and take. The older you get, you may feel pain in your back or your hips.

But I think that once you make it to a level with a company as prestigious as American Ballet Theater, you pretty much have to be built for it, I think, which makes it easier on the body.

Tavis: To your point of being in the American Ballet Theater, I always feel a certain way about African Americans who are accomplishing firsts, and I especially feel that way these days - here we are in 2011, and there are still so many things that African Americans have yet had a chance to do.

So that, on the one hand, you celebrate Misty, you celebrate Barack Obama, you celebrate any number of African Americans who are doing things for the first time. On the other hand, I wonder whether we make too big a deal out of that, and whether or not it puts a certain level of pressure on the person who knows that they are the first to respond in a certain way. That's a mouthful. Respond any way you want to respond.

Copeland: I think it depends on the person. I've never felt pressure. I think that I've stepped into, I guess, this role with pride, and I think it's amazing to be able to be, I guess, a vessel, and get it out there to other Black dancers that they can do it, and that I'm here. I've gotten nothing but warmth from the Black community and positive feedback.

Tavis: Do you see others, other young women, other young men of color pursuing this kind of career path, or is there still a complete dearth and paucity of African American ballet dancers?

Copeland: I've seen more, but they're out there. I just think that they're not being given the opportunities to audition -

Tavis: Be exposed the same way, yeah.

Copeland: - or get into a company of this caliber. But they're there. There are so many talented Black ballet dancers out there. They just have to be given the opportunity.

Tavis: So what happens, then, when your talent and your gift hooks up with a guy like Prince? Everybody knows I love him. That's my guy. But when he gives you a chance to be exposed, puts you in a video, puts you on stage with him, sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, et cetera, et cetera, what does that do for your exposure, and your exposure on a personal level?

What's that do for you, number one, and number two, what do you think it does for the art form, in terms of exposing it, courtesy of Prince, to other African Americans?

Copeland: I think that it's incredible, what he's doing. He has so much respect for every art form, and I think it's great that everyone at Madison got to see, who'd probably never seen classical ballet in their life. I think he's doing a great thing, exposing people, and hopefully they'll come to the Metropolitan Opera House and not feel like it's too, I don't know, out of their league or something.

Tavis: Are there purists in your world who would look at something, even though it's with this iconic artist, Prince, who would look at you on stage at Madison Square Garden and think, okay, she's bastardizing the art form, she's hanging out with Prince on stage at Madison Square Garden. That's not what the American Ballet Theater is all about. Are there purists who get attitude about stuff like that?

Copeland: I don't think so, and I haven't experienced it. I think it's great for the culture, for it to be exposed, but also at the same time I feel like I'm respectful to what I do in my company, and it's great that I'm being given these opportunities with Prince, but I'm a classical ballet dancer, and at the end of the day I want to be with American Ballet Theater, performing classical ballets.

Tavis: Prince ain't a bad dancer himself.

Copeland: No. (Laughter)

Tavis: The best part of the story for me, and I had no idea until we started doing the research when we knew we had the opportunity to talk to you - you grew up, like, down the road from here. Like, who knew that you grew up - you're making this history, you're on the world stage, literally, at the American Ballet Theater, world stage with Prince, and you grew up in San Pedro?

Copeland: I did, I grew up in San Pedro, California. (Laughter)

Tavis: How is that possible?

Copeland: (Laughs) It's a small town, and it's really amazing that I was discovered and that I've been given these great opportunities to travel the world and work with amazing artists. I'm very blessed.

Tavis: So are we, because of your gift. So the moral to tonight's conversation is the next time you get asked can anything good come out of San Pedro, the answer is yes. (Laughter) Misty Copeland has made history now as the first African American female soloist with the American Ballet Theater, a wonderful company, of course.

If you are fortunate enough and if their schedules continue to mesh and you can catch her on the road anywhere with our friend Prince, it is a show and a performance you will absolutely enjoy. Misty, congratulations. Good to have you on the program.

Copeland: Thank you very much. Thank you.

Tavis: It's my pleasure.

(End of interview)

[Edited 2/25/11 10:39am]

bashraka said:

Good interview, but I think Tavis is ready to battle with both Misty and Bria over their man Prince. Tavis mentioned Prince so many times during his interview with Misty, you would think, he was trying to send Misty a subtle message: "you're not taking him away from me". Word to the wise: Tavis, we know you and Prince are BFF, you don't have to re-inforce it at every turn during your television show and on twitter.

[img:$uid]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n276/squirrelgrease/AnimatedGifs-5/tavis1.gif[/img:$uid]

armpit said:

2elijah said:

I'll give a quick rundown of the interview:

15 minute interview. Tavis pretty much kept the focus of the interview on Misty's career. They showed 2 snippets of Misty in previous ABT performances. Misty was calm, and she held up very well during the interview. Tavis basically just asked her about what is what like to be the first African-American with the ABT. She stated she humbly takes that position with pride and happy she's been given that opportunity.

He also asked her opinion and based on her experience as a ballet dancer, if there are other persons of color, (I guess he meant in large numbers)with an interest in ballet. Misty stated (paraphrasing) they are out there, but often not given the opportunity to expose their talent in that particular form of dance. Tavis also asked her about her how she felt about being given the opportunity to showcase her art of dance on stage with Prince. Misty stated she is grateful to dance in Prince's shows, (but did not expound on how that opportunity came about), and grateful that she is able to expose her form of dance/talent to a different audience, while being part of his show. Misty also stated that hopefully that will open up an interest to those attending Prince's show, to come out and see some ballet performances at the Metropolitan Opera house. She states she was raised in San Pedro, CA and discovered there. That's just about it. I'm sure others who saw the interview will add their take.

Also, Tavis asked her if ballet is a lot of stress on the body, and she states, you get callouses, but also gain strength as a dancer, and your body gets used to that after awhile. She also stated that her passion/future (paraphrasing) is with ballet. Mama Copeland was also in the audience, but the camera did not show her.

[Edited 2/24/11 6:12am]

Thanks for this, I didn't get to watch the show.

I'm just glad to find out she's gonna keep dancing.

I remember when I was a kid, seeing her on tv and thinking that was so cool, another black girl like me, doing ballet...

No problem.

squirrelgrease said:

bashraka said:

Good interview, but I think Tavis is ready to battle with both Misty and Bria over their man Prince. Tavis mentioned Prince so many times during his interview with Misty, you would think, he was trying to send Misty a subtle message: "you're not taking him away from me". Word to the wise: Tavis, we know you and Prince are BFF, you don't have to re-inforce it at every turn during your television show and on twitter.

[img:$uid]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n276/squirrelgrease/AnimatedGifs-5/tavis1.gif[/img:$uid]

U r so wrong 4 that..............

babynoz said:

errant said:

can someone tell me what she could possibly have to say?

Gotta love the org...people ready to pounce before the lady even opens her mouth.

This is just her using her association with Prince to get out there... I'm sure she'll mention him. But what else could she possibly have to say that anyone would possibly be interested in if she hadn't been associated with Prince?

armpit said:

Maytiana said:

"Hi, I'm Misty Copeland. some of you may only know me as 'Prince's Bitch' but Im here to tell you that I am not only that but a well-known professional ballerina for the American Ballet Theater. Thanks for listening. Goodbye"

I think if you realizedt how transparently catty you just sounded, you would've kept that to yourself.

That girl didn't do jackshit to you and you're shitting on her - why? Because she might be dating Prince?

Even if she weren't, you wouldn't be, either.

And before someone goes assuming - no, I'm not Misty. I think Misty has too much class to respond to bullshit like that.

That is exactly what Misty would say to keep herself from looking catty..I hope you don't think that is enough to convince anyone. I doubt Misty would admit its her posting, Prince would probably have a fit over it! BTW, I'm not saying you are Misty, I'm just stating the obvious.

[Edited 2/25/11 18:10pm]

Just a thought on the show....I found it nice. Misty was very lovely during the interview, both physically and intellectually. She was professional and well spoke, I think she is a fine addition to the Prince camp. I actually wanted Tavis to ask her more about the rumors of her and Prince, but that's just me. I like it when people are upfront about things. It was cool, not anything to jump up and down about, but cool nontheless. I hope her performing with Prince and doing these type of interviews will inspire young girls of color to get into ballet (as well as opening a newer audience to Prince).

DaphneLovesPR1NCE said:

babynoz said:

Gotta love the org...people ready to pounce before the lady even opens her mouth.

This is just her using her association with Prince to get out there... I'm sure she'll mention him. But what else could she possibly have to say that anyone would possibly be interested in if she hadn't been associated with Prince?

LMAO. Come on Daphne, according to her background, she's already "out there" doing her own thing with the ABT, long before she danced in the Crimson & Clover video, and before she participated in the NY/NJ W2A tour? It's obvious Prince wasn't part of her accomplishment with the ABT. She made history in ballet, for being the first African-American in the ABT, and that's what she'll be remembered for, long after Prince's W2A tour ends.

[Edited 2/25/11 19:29pm]

DaphneLovesPR1NCE said:

babynoz said:

Gotta love the org...people ready to pounce before the lady even opens her mouth.

This is just her using her association with Prince to get out there... I'm sure she'll mention him. But what else could she possibly have to say that anyone would possibly be interested in if she hadn't been associated with Prince?

Yay..thanks for the transcript 2elijah.

squirrelgrease said:

bashraka said:

Good interview, but I think Tavis is ready to battle with both Misty and Bria over their man Prince. Tavis mentioned Prince so many times during his interview with Misty, you would think, he was trying to send Misty a subtle message: "you're not taking him away from me". Word to the wise: Tavis, we know you and Prince are BFF, you don't have to re-inforce it at every turn during your television show and on twitter.

[img:$uid]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n276/squirrelgrease/AnimatedGifs-5/tavis1.gif[/img:$uid]

Ottensen said:

DaphneLovesPR1NCE said:

This is just her using her association with Prince to get out there... I'm sure she'll mention him. But what else could she possibly have to say that anyone would possibly be interested in if she hadn't been associated with Prince?

Apparently it was Divinely Designed for me to not be able to post my original reply to a statement as incredulous as this

DaphneLovesPR1NCE said:

Just a thought on the show....I found it nice. Misty was very lovely during the interview, both physically and intellectually. She was professional and well spoke, I think she is a fine addition to the Prince camp. I actually wanted Tavis to ask her more about the rumors of her and Prince, but that's just me. I like it when people are upfront about things. It was cool, not anything to jump up and down about, but cool nontheless. I hope her performing with Prince and doing these type of interviews will inspire young girls of color to get into ballet (as well as opening a newer audience to Prince).

I'm sure Tavis and his producers were briefed not to ask any relationship oriented questions between she and Prince. I wonder what Tavis would've done if Misty stood up and through up her right leg and just held there for 5 minutes with a goofy smile on her face with her dimunitive Lotus Flower showing.

And what if she would've done this in front of Tavis. . .

[Edited 2/26/11 7:54am]

Ottensen said:

Ottensen said:

Apparently it was Divinely Designed for me to not be able to post my original reply to a statement as incredulous as this

shes so beautiful :]

idk why people get so worked up over celebs' relationships. its their lives, either be happy for them or shoosh!

lavender1983 said:

Yay..thanks for the transcript 2elijah.

No prob..you're welcome.

Ottensen said:

Ottensen said:

Apparently it was Divinely Designed for me to not be able to post my original reply to a statement as incredulous as this

armpit said:

Maytiana said:

"Hi, I'm Misty Copeland. some of you may only know me as 'Prince's Bitch' but Im here to tell you that I am not only that but a well-known professional ballerina for the American Ballet Theater. Thanks for listening. Goodbye"

I think if you realizedt how transparently catty you just sounded, you would've kept that to yourself.

That girl didn't do jackshit to you and you're shitting on her - why? Because she might be dating Prince?

Even if she weren't, you wouldn't be, either.

And before someone goes assuming - no, I'm not Misty. I think Misty has too much class to respond to bullshit like that.

I think Misty would have come up with a more elegant name than "armpit." LOL

stevierae said:

armpit said:

I think if you realizedt how transparently catty you just sounded, you would've kept that to yourself.

That girl didn't do jackshit to you and you're shitting on her - why? Because she might be dating Prince?

Even if she weren't, you wouldn't be, either.

And before someone goes assuming - no, I'm not Misty. I think Misty has too much class to respond to bullshit like that.

I think Misty would have come up with a more elegant name than "armpit." LOL

not of she wanted to throw everyone off ._.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

MMMMIIIIIIIISTYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Thanks for posting the transcript, I wouldn't have been able to see it otherwise. I'm surprised if he was doing so much research that he didn't mention the ballet Billboards as a reference point. Ah well.