Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

Determination meets dance in this memoir by the history-making ballerina.

In this instant New York Times bestseller, Misty Copeland makes history, telling the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers . A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider’s passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world’s most iconic ballets. A sensational memoir as “sensitive” and “clear-eyed” (The Washington Post) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

• Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You
• Your Life in Motion: A Guided Journal for Discovering the Fire in You
• Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition
• A Ballerina's Tale
• Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
• A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland (American Girl: A Girl Named)
• Misty Copeland: Power and Grace
• When I Grow Up: Misty Copeland (Scholastic Reader, Level 3)
• Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story
• Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday