John Malveaux: Part 16-LBCAA 30 year history

John Malveaux of 

www.MusicUNTOLD.com  

writes:

Part 16-LBCAA 30 year history

In December 2011, Misty Copeland was the third soloist of African descent to dance with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and the first person of African descent in the last 20 years. Misty Copeland goal was to become the first principal dancer of African descent for a major U.S. ballet company. Segerstrom Performing Art Center announced a new “Firebird” with Misty Copeland dancing the “Firebird” March 30, and April 1, 2012.

 February 9, 2012, MusicUNTOLD presented Misty Copeland to dance students at Long Beach Poly HS and San Pedro HS for lecture and student Q&A. Misty presented a master dance class for dance students at CSU-Long Beach. Misty was introduced to ballet at the San Pedro Boys & Girls. The one day tour concluded with a homecoming celebration at San Pedro Boys & Girls Club. Misty’s persistent message was “despite perceived odds”, you can become a ballerina with discipline and dedication.

MusicUNTOLD one-day project with Misty Copeland promoting diversity in ballet was the FIRST project of the Long Beach Central Area Association outside of the City of Long Beach. Misty flew to Long Beach airport the night before and flew back to New York after the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club homecoming. However, Misty was returning to Southern California late March to dance in “Firebird”. The diversity project in Long Beach and San Pedro during 2012 African American Heritage Month received front page coverage in Long Beach Press Telegram..

MusicUNTOLD purchased 50 group discount tickets from Segerstrom for the April 1, 2012 performance of “Firebird”. County Supervisor Don Knabe provided a FREE bus to transport youth, parents and chaperons to the performance. After the performance, Misty met with pre-selected groups including MusicUNTOLD for autographs, photos, lecture and Q&A.

The ballerina of African descent who rose from poverty and learned the art at the late age 13 was named principal dancer of the ABT on June 30, 2015. See pic 1-Misty approach San Pedro HS; pic 2- flyer for "Firebird"