Misty Copeland’s Lessons on Confidence, Self-Care, and Staying True to Yourself

Misty Copeland, a trailblazing figure in the world of ballet, is sharing her wisdom and experiences with a new generation in her latest book, "Letters to Misty." Known for shattering barriers as the first Black woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Copeland has long served as an inspiration to young performers, particularly dancers of color. In this collection of fan letters and her responses, Copeland delves into the essential topics of self-care, confidence, and navigating the complexities of the digital age.

The book, now available from Simon & Schuster, is a culmination of years of heartfelt messages Copeland has received from admirers. Now at a new stage of her career as a mom, foundation owner and mentor, Copeland uses these letters as a springboard to offer invaluable advice and guidance to teenagers seeking to embrace their individuality and thrive in a challenging world.

One of the central themes of "Letters to Misty" is the idea that confidence is a skill that can be developed through consistent effort and a strong support system. Copeland emphasizes that building confidence is akin to working a muscle, requiring dedication and repetition. She encourages young people to rely on the support of teachers, coaches, and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

Drawing from her own experiences as a young dancer, Copeland recounts the challenges she faced as often the only Black girl in the room. She shares the profound impact of the advice she received from the legendary musician Prince during their collaborations. Prince instilled in her the understanding that uniqueness and individuality are strengths to be celebrated, not weaknesses to be hidden. He encouraged her to embrace her distinctiveness and use it to command attention and create opportunities for herself.

Copeland vividly remembers Prince’s empowering words, "There’s so much power in being the only one out there… You’re holding your attention – now what are you going to do with the opportunity?" This advice resonated deeply with Copeland and helped her overcome her initial fears of standing out and wanting to conform.

Building a strong support network is another crucial aspect of fostering confidence, according to Copeland. She credits her local childhood Boys and Girls Club for providing her with positive mentor figures from a young age. Her first ballet teacher played a pivotal role in shaping her career and serving as a key role model.

Copeland also acknowledges the influence of several other accomplished women, including fellow dancers Alicia Graf Mack, Raven Wilkinson (whose story Copeland chronicled in her 2022 book "The Wind at My Back"), and Lauren Anderson, as well as actress Victoria Rowell and producer Susan Fales-Hill. She emphasizes the vital role that these women, particularly Black women, have played in her success.

Copeland’s experiences have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the importance of mentorship, and she actively seeks to pay it forward by guiding and supporting young people in their own journeys.

In "Letters to Misty," Copeland addresses the challenges that young people face in the digital age, particularly the pressures of social media and the importance of staying true to oneself. She advises readers to curate their online experiences by surrounding themselves with people who align with their values and to disconnect from social media when necessary. Copeland emphasizes that real-life relationships and connections are far more valuable than online validation.

Copeland shares her own strategies for maintaining a healthy balance in the digital world, including following accounts that inspire her and promote positivity. Some of her favorite accounts include those of culinary icon Ina Garten, photographer Mark Seliger, and art curator Thelma Golden. She also finds tranquility and inspiration in the aesthetics of the Aman hotel properties.

Self-care is another essential topic that Copeland addresses in her book. She emphasizes that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining physical and mental well-being. When she has a day off from her demanding schedule, Copeland prioritizes sleeping in late and stretching. On her second day off, she incorporates activities such as Pilates, napping, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious meals. She also uses her Game Ready ice machine to reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation.

Copeland also enjoys indulging in "terrible TV" and listening to her favorite musicians, including Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, and Sade.

Cooking is one of Copeland’s favorite ways to unwind, particularly her signature citrus salmon dish, which she once prepared for Ina Garten herself. Copeland broils her salmon in a homemade marinade of brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, and white wine vinegar, serving it with a side of sweet potato mash. She finds joy in the creative challenge of transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals.

Journaling is another key component of Copeland’s self-care routine, a practice she has maintained since she was young. She often journals while traveling or staying in hotels, preserving her finished notebooks as a record of her experiences and reflections. Copeland finds journaling to be a healthy way to process her thoughts and emotions and to document her journey.