Misty Copeland is hoping that her new short film ‘Flower’, which screened earlier this week at the Bentonville Film Festival, can help bring dance forms such as ballet to more people as she continues to break down barriers.
Copeland is the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre and now is looking to make an even bigger mark and impression in the world of film.
“Throughout my career, it’s really been about bringing dance to the masses. Bringing ballet to communities that wouldn’t otherwise have access to it,” Copeland said, during an interview with Variety.
“The stories have to evolve and they have to reflect the audience members that are coming to see it. To me, this is a modern ballet. This is a reflection of what’s happening in society, in so many communities across the country.”
‘Flower’ is 28 minutes long and is told almost entirely through the art of movement, with the only speaking parts being when living circumstances in Oakland are the topic of discussion.
The film is centered on Copeland’s character Rose, who is seen working two jobs to support her mother (played by Christina Johnson) who is battling dementia.
Rose’s life changes when she makes friends with the charismatic Sterling (Babatunji Johnson).
“I was houseless for most of my childhood, and wanted to give people a different lens into what that can look like, and who experiences it” Copeland said. “There’s no one face, and there’s no one story. I think we often lose that sense of empathy when we’re looking at people in this position.”
“We just felt like they are those who are often voiceless, so let’s give them the voice,” Copeland adds. “The one time you hear in the film, should be from those who don’t often have a voice.”
“I was introduced to ballet at my Boys and Girls Club. I took my first class at 13 years old on the basketball court. It took one teacher seeing something in me and giving me an opportunity,” she says. “To me, it’s really abut creating future leaders. Giving them the tools to go on and be excellent.”
You can watch the entire interview with Copeland over on Variety.
