Renowned dancer Misty Copeland offered a pointed response to at least one critic on social media who argued that the PBS documentary about her life focused unnecessarily on race.
The documentary aired on Monday night and was met with positive response though the dialogue shifted to a critique of what the documentary illuminates about racial bias in the elite dance space.
“2night #ABallerinasTalePBS Though let's inspire thru beauty & joy of ballet & orchestral music rather than label 'em bastions of white supremacy,” Erin Roy @iamerinroy wrote on Twitter immediately after the documentary aired.
“That's all wonderful when race isn't involved... But I'm a black ballerina with black American experiences,” Copeland wrote in response.
Some fans took to Twitter to defend Copeland, letting the dancer's words speak for itself. "Some ppl think I focus too much on being a Black dancer but being Black is so much a part my story," Nicole Moore quoted Copeland as saying in her documentary.
“This documentary is yet another testament to the importance of black women mentoring and upholding black women,” wrote Stacia L. Brown @slb79.
“@mistyonpointe, it was an honor and a privilege to watch your story. Thank you for sharing your light with us,” added Cara Salerno @CaraAnnSalerno .
“A Ballerina’s Tale” originally aired on PBS Monday night and can be viewed online on the PBS website through February 12th.