I think this is one of the best covers that Essence has put out in a long time! This is ballerina Misty Copeland covering the Fashion Issue for September its amazing, wow! Images shot by Dennis Leupold. The 32-year-old dancer looks like she is having the time of her life and rightfully so, being the first African American principle dancer in the American Ballet Theater’s 75-year history, great job!
On the cover Misty wears a gown from Zimmerman Fall 2015
“It was an easy decision for us to put Misty on the cover of our fashion issue. Not only is she gorgeous and a force to be reckoned with in the dance community, but she also realizes what this moment represents to so many,” Vanessa De Luca, the editor-in-chief of Essence, told The Huffington Post. “Her story of defeating the odds despite the challenges in front of her is an inspiration to us all — especially little girls who dream of becoming ballerinas when they grow up.” Says Essence.
“I’m going to continue to be who I am and my experiences as a Black woman have made me who I am,” says Copeland. “All of a sudden now that I am in this position, I’m not going to say ‘I’m just a dancer.’ It’s a huge deal because I’m a Black woman. That’s why it’s a big deal.” ~Misty
To read full interview, this hits newsstands on August 14th!
