Misty Copeland Celebrates Historic Day In Her Career

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The inspirational Misty Copeland, a ballerina superstar, proves nothing can stand in her way. The athlete hosted a book signing in Baltimore Saturday as she celebrated a historic day in her career.

Tracey Leong explains.

In front of a packed audience full of eager fans, Misty Copeland took center stage and detailed her groundbreaking journey. She received a standing ovation.

An enthusiastic crowd welcomed the athlete on the same day she officially took over her role as principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre---the first African-American woman to achieve this position at the company.

"I speak so openly about my experience as an African American woman in classical ballet," Copeland said. "That's probably been one of the bigger obstacles for me."

In front of a thousand fans at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, Copeland spoke about breaking the mold and overcoming racial inequality in the ballet world.

"We create our own future and it's about who you surround yourself with," she said.

Last year, the world class ballerina signed on to represent Under Armour, diversifying an already elite group of athletes. The commercial went viral, highlighting Copeland's struggle to achieve her dream.

"Never imagined any of this happening in my career," she said.

She's also an author and took the time to sign copies of her memoir, "Life in Motion: an Unlikely Ballerina" and her children's book, "Firebird." Her story of success is inspiring girls just like her.

"Starting from the root and reaching out to communities that don't have the exposure or means to be a part of the classical ballet world," Copeland said.

Copeland was recently named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.

She will also be making her Broadway debut performing in "On the Town" later this month.