Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland, the African-American ballet dancer who rose from poverty and learned the art at the late age of 13, was named June 30, 2015 as the first black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater in its 75-year history.
Her promotion to principal dancer comes after a 14 year-career at the company, eight of which as a soloist.
Copeland (who was the subject of profiles by Anthony Mason on "Sunday Morning" in 2014 and by Bill Whitaker on "60 Minutes" in May 2015) was on the cover of Time Magazine as one of the most influential people of 2015. She is also the co-author of two books.
Rehearsal Hall
Her exposure helps Copeland on her mission: to be a cover girl for a new kind of ballet. "I think it's going to open up people's minds to what ballet should be in this day and age."
Misty Copeland
Copeland is an unlikely ballerina. One of six kids, she had an itinerant childhood in California as her mother married and remarried four times.
She found dancing early, calling it her escape in life.
Ballet Class
At 13, a teacher recommended she take ballet classes at the local Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro. Less than two years later, she entered her first competition at the L.A. Music Center, and won it.
"The Nutcracker"
A young Misty Copeland in "The Nutcracker."
Youthful Performance
A youthful dance performance by Misty Copeland.
ABT Audition
At 18, she moved to New York to join the American Ballet Theatre. "And that's when I looked around me, and in a company of 80 dancers realized I was the only black woman. I felt completely isolated and alone."
She thought about quitting the company, but couldn't: "I felt I had a responsibility to represent so many dancers that had come before me that aren't recognized even to this day."
"Coppelia"
Misty Copeland performed in "Coppelia," as Swanilda and the Mazurka Lady.
"Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux"
Misty Copeland performing in the ABT's "Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux."
"La Bayadere"
Misty Copeland has danced the parts of Gamzatti, a Shade, and the Lead D'Jampe in "La Bayadere."
"Le Corsaire"
Misty Copeland as Odalisque in "Le Corsaire."
"Le Corsaire"
Misty Copeland as Gulnare in the ABT's "Le Corsaire."
"Swan Lake"
Misty Copeland in the ABT's production of "Swan Lake."
Backstage
Preparing to go onstage in "Swan Lake."
Misty and Prince
Misty Copeland performs on stage with Prince during the singer's "Welcome 2 America" tour, at Madison Square Garden, December 29, 2010 in New York City.
Lincoln Center
In April of 2012, Copeland's big breakthrough came when she was given the lead in Stravinsky's "Firebird." Her picture went up on the facade of the Metropolitan Opera.
"Firebird"
But in rehearsals for "Firebird" Copeland was feeling pains in her shin -- what would turn out to be six stress fractures in her left tibia. No one on the artistic staff knew she was injured. But she went on anyway, "Which I wouldn't recommend to anyone!" she told CBS News' Anthony Mason.
Why did she do it? "I was 29 years old and I was really given the biggest role of my career at that point," she said. "And I felt, had I not done this performance and proven myself that I was capable and mature enough to become this character, that I wouldn't be given the opportunity again."
"Firebird"
Misty Copeland won raves for her lead performance in the ABT production of "Firebird."
"Firebird"
Misty Copeland dances the title role in the ABT production of "Firebird."
"Swan Lake"
Misty Copeland danced the lead in the American Ballet Theatre's production of "Swan Lake," in Queensland, Australia.
"Swan Lake"
Misty Copeland in "Swan Lake."
"Life in Motion"
"Life in Motion" is Misty Copeland's New York Times bestselling memoir.
Leaping Into Commercials
Misty has also leaped into commercials, appearing in an ad for Under Armour.
"Firebird"
Misty Copeland's first children's book is "Firebird," with illustrations by Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers.
In it, by her example she shows youngsters how to reach soaring heights through hard work and dedication.
Rehearsal Hall
As she strove for the title of principal dancer at ABT, Copeland told CBS News' Anthony Mason that "just proving myself to people -- that's the most daunting."
"What are you proving?" asked Mason.
"That I belong. That I'm capable. That I'm a ballerina. That it doesn't matter what color I am. It doesn't matter what body type I have."
Backstage
"Do you feel like you're still proving this?" asked Mason.
"I don't think it will ever end," Copeland replied. "I think that it's something that's going to take the ballet world a very long time to get used to. And I don't think its going to happen within my lifetime. But it's starting."
Read more from Anthony Mason's interview with Misty Copeland
For more info:
Follow Misty Copeland on Twitter (@Mistyonpointe) and Facebook
"Firebird" by Misty Copeland; Illustrations by Christopher Myers (Putnam); Also available in eBook format
"Life in Motion: An UnlikelyBallerina - My Story of Adversity and Grace" by Misty Copeland (Touchstone); Also available in Trade Paperback and eBook formats
"The Nutcracker" at Brooklyn Academy of Music (featuring Misty Copeland on December 14, 18)
By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan