By Cora Parker, ’25

Much like any other forms of art, ballet is rooted in a world of tradition. From the music played to the choreography performed, the rich history of the art form is one that stretches across centuries and is actively demonstrated in performances today. Behind its beautiful nature, the industry happens to be filled with affirmed standards of what a picturesque prima ballerina should be. One with skin that gleams like a porcelain doll, an elongated body type void of all curves and weight, and a preconceived notion that highly sought-after parts should be performed by dancers sharing the same look of those who performed it traditionally.

However, diversity is often a characteristic that strays from the model of early 20th century traditional ballet, despite the efforts towards cultivating acceptance and inclusion in society today. A Ballerina’s Tale moves the curtain to what takes place beyond the stage, away from the audience’s eye, and sheds light on the industry’s dying need for the normalization of diversity and belonging.

The documentary follows the story of Misty Copeland, a world-renowned American Ballet Theater dancer, and first African American woman to dance a principal role in the company. Director Nelson George looks beyond the stage and illuminates the difficulties of people of color in the industry.

Opening with the sounds of point shoes gliding across the hollow dance floor, overlaid with recorded footage of Misty Copeland’s childhood home, family, and beginning roots of dance, a sense of genuine hard work, passion, and dedication is felt from the film’s initial scenes. Moving from that, the story is narrated by Misty herself, as well as her mentors, friends, family, and all those who helped her along the way of creating a name for herself in the world of dance, even when it seemed all odds were stacked against her. Among other challenges such as a debilitating injury and career threatening surgery, Misty never gave up. She saw herself as something bigger than just a principal dancer, she represented a community of marginalized people in the industry and upheld a position as a beacon of hope for all those like her.

Following the screening, Butler University’s very own Professor of Dance, Ramon Flowers, led an open, communicative discussion for all those in the audience. Professor Flowers is a longtime friend and colleague of Misty, he shared his own relation to A Ballerina’s Tale and how going forward he strives to create an atmosphere of belonging and inclusion among all disciplines of dance.

I had the opportunity to speak to Professor Flowers a few moments after the screening ended and asked him what he felt the classical ballet industry needed in terms of growth in the modern era. Just like the message Misty vocalized in the documentary, Professor Flowers reiterated that the fault of classical ballet’s roots in systematic inequality will continue to hinder progression in the future. Without creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable, valued, and feels as though they belong, so many individuals with talent are left behind or looked over.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are crucial elements of growth that relate to every aspect of our lives, and A Ballerina’s Tale is a powerful example of how prevalent conversations about DEI need to be in all industries. It takes the actions and power of every individual to continue to strive for growth and change.