Misty Copeland Gets a Square Named After Her in Her Hometown

Misty Copeland made history this year when she became the first Black female principal dancer at the storied American Ballet Theatre.

She was honored this week in San Pedro, California with a square named after her.


The intersection adjacent to ballet studio where she began training  at 13 was dedicated as Misty Copeland Square.

"You know, growing up in the atmospheres I grew up in, San Pedro was the only place I ever considered home," Copeland said during the ceremony.

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In addition to the square, a mural of Copeland was unveiled on the side of the San Pedro City Ballet.

"I always saw that for her, and I knew she had it in her to put in the work and make the world fall in love with her," said Cindy Bradley, artistic director of San Pedro Ballet.

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"It's possible to come out of a small town and succeed," Copeland said. "And I think you just have to believe in yourself and have support."

Misty Copeland