'Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina' Author Misty Copeland Holds Book Signing and Fundraiser

Misty Copeland, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015, will appear at 2 p.m. on September 13 at Barnes & Noble, 230 Main St. in White Plains to help support Greenwich Ballet Academy (GBA).

The public is invited to meet Copeland at the book signing and Q&A, which runs simultaneously with a book fair fundraiser for GBA and its programs. Copeland will also sign copies of her recently release children’s book, “Firebird.”

“Words fail to describe how thrilled we are to welcome Misty Copeland, and how pleased we are to honor someone who is both an accomplished dancer and a cultural ambassador for dance and community,” said Marisol Rivera Thurman, board chairman of the ballet academy.

Ms. Copeland recently made history by becoming the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. The American-born dancer won awards and scholarships within her first two years of dance, and went on to become a professional dancer by age 19, when she was asked to join the Corps de Ballet at American Ballet Theatre.

“One of the remarkable things about Ms. Copeland is that unlike most ballerinas, her popularity and reach extend well beyond the ballet world,” says Rivera Thurman. “The popular Under Armour I Will What I Want advertisements featuring Misty position her not just as a premiere ballerina but as a world-class athlete and cultural fitness icon.”

“Misty Copeland is an inspiration to dancers all over the world…she pushed through tremendous barriers and stereotypes to pursue her dream,” said GBA student Olivia Citarella of Greenwich. “I’m so excited to meet Misty” said fellow GBA dancer Isabel Tenney of Rye, NY. “She is a beautiful, exciting and powerful dancer and woman. She is a role model for all young dancers.”

Last year, Rivera Thurman approached Barnes & Noble requesting a book fair fundraiser that would include Copeland doing a book signing. Passionate about giving back, Ms. Copeland has been inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame and is involved with many local and national charity organizations.

“I remember thinking it was a crazy dream to even suggest it, but I did,” she added. “I couldn’t believe that Misty accepted and we found a date 12 months later, for September 2015. “

“Misty has a mission of supporting ballet education, and a book signing that also benefits a school was something she was willing to keep on her busy calendar,” Durfy explained. “We are so pleased to support the excellent classical ballet education that Greenwich Ballet Academy offers by hosting one of today’s greatest ballerinas. It is the perfect match for a book signing and a book fair fundraiser.”

The public is invited to attend the book signing. For additional information, contact Greenwich Ballet Academy at (914) 305-4377.

About Greenwich Ballet Academy

Greenwich Ballet Academy is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) institution that nurtures talented dancers, ages 4-21, toward careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance with a unique emphasis on the Russian Vaganova method of instruction. GBA is the only school in the lower Fairfield and Westchester County area to offer this specialized type of training. The professional faculty also provides classes in modern and character dance, and contemporary ballet. GBA students have earned accolades at international ballet competitions and have joined professional ballet companies. For more information on performances and training, please visit the GBA website: www.greenwichballetacademy.org