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Misty Copeland spends most days practicing and perfecting the graceful movements of her art. She takes classes almost every day and takes care of her body so she doesn’t injure it when she goes to work at American Ballet Theatre, one of the most famous ballet companies in the world.
“I treat my body with the respect that any musician would their instrument. I accept all that it is and do my best to make it the best it can be,” says Misty.
Misty didn’t always feel so confident in herself. The challenges she has faced over almost 20 years of dancing have made her strong. She was a shy child and avoided the spotlight. But she loved music and movement. When she was 13, she joined the drill team. One day, her coach suggested that she attend a free ballet class at the Boys & Girls club. For two weeks, Misty sat on the gym platforms watching the class, afraid to join in. Finally, she gave it a try.
At first, Misty felt out of place in the class. She didn’t know anything about ballet, and she was older than most of the students. Even though Misty felt discouraged, she didn’t quit. She talked with others who had struggled with similar problems. With the support of these friends, things slowly improved.
Over the next five years, ballet was Misty’s life. She practiced, performed, competed, attended summer ballet programs, and got loads of awards.
Today, Misty says, “I’ve learned to embrace my appearance, skin color, and figure.” She wants to help other dancers, especially ballerinas of color, accept themselves, too. She wrote a picture book, Firebird, in which her character encourages a young African American ballerina. In a note at the end of the book, Misty tells readers to follow their dreams: “No matter what that dream is,” she writes, “you have the power to make it come true with hard work and dedication.”
1.When Misty Copeland began to learn ballet, she_____________.
A.felt a sense of belonging immediately
B.joined the drill team and practiced actively
C.encountered many challenges but stuck to her dream
D.encouraged others with similar problems and improved together
2.Which words can best describe Misty Copeland?
A.Determined and indifferent. B.Persistent and devoted.
C.Diligent and pessimistic. D.Talented and traditional.
3.What does the story intend to tell us?
A.Many hands make light work. B.One good turn deserves another.
C.Diligence is the mother of success. D.A fall in a pit, a gain in your wit.
