Misty Copeland talks Motherhood on GCP
This week I welcomed to the podcast the one and only Misty Copeland! Misty was the first Black woman to become principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater in their 75 year history. She is the author of several books including her memoir, Life in Motion and her latest, The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson. She has broken down barriers and paved a path for many young artists, and now she’s sitting down with me to share her views about motherhood. Misty has been very careful and thoughtful about sharing her life as a mom after the birth of her son, Jackson, and I am so grateful she joined me for an extended conversation.
It's been a whole new world entering into motherhood and deciding the things I will share. You know, it's a first for me. So this is a little nerve wracking! I'm a new mother. And it's been one of the most rewarding things that I've ever experienced. - Misty Copeland
Misty dove into the details of how she and her husband Olu Evans are making a new life with baby Jackson, and she reflects on how they are raising Jackson in a world very different from the one in which she grew up. She and her five siblings were raised by a single mom under very challenging circumstances, and we discussed the strengths borne of that experience. We talked about how to raise Black children who are grounded, aware, and who have the resilience needed in this world when they are growing up in environments that are likely to present less adversity and offer greater privilege. Misty also reflected on the incredible impact mentors have had on her life and career and the critical intersection of mentoring and parenting— emphasizing how mentors can and should be a welcome part of a family’s village.
Misty has long been a guiding light to younger dancers, and an inspiration to all who know her story. And now she has valuable parenting wisdom to add to the mix! It was wonderful to tap into this personal and candid side of Misty that we don’t get to see as we watch her onstage. I know you will be delighted when you tune in to hear where life is taking our favorite prima ballerina.
Tune into Dancing into Motherhood with Misty Copeland on your favorite podcast streaming platform. Thanks to Paramount, Seneca Women Podcast Network and iHeart for their support, and thank YOU for listening and spreading the word!
Enjoy,
Carol