Why ballet needs ground-breaking 'pop star' Misty Copeland
Celebrated filmmaker Nelson George on how black ballerina Misty Copeland is challenging the aesthetic of a change-averse artform.
A Ballerina's Tale is a new documentary that brings together two fascinating people: the subject, Misty Copeland, and well-known director-producer Nelson George.
Copeland is the first black woman to be a principal dancer at a major international company. She's a groundbreaker, and a crossover figure who's toured with Prince and collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma.
George, a filmmaker and critic specializing in African-American culture, brings a unique lens to her story. He follows Misty Copeland at a major turning point in her career.
Today he joins Shad to discuss the surprising ways Copeland is challenging the culture and aesthetic of the artform.
WEB EXTRA | Watch the trailer for A Ballerina's Tale below.