Misty Copeland, the African-American ballet dancer who rose from poverty and learned the art at the late age of 13, was named June 30, 2015 as the first black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater in its 75-year history.
Her promotion to principal dancer comes after a 14 year-career at the company, eight of which as a soloist.
Copeland (who was the subject of profiles by Anthony Mason on "Sunday Morning" in 2014 and by Bill Whitaker on "60 Minutes" in May 2015) was on the cover of Time Magazine as one of the most influential people of 2015. She is also the co-author of two books.
CREDIT: American Ballet Theater