Misty Copeland, the acclaimed principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, recently shared a glimpse into her life by highlighting the essential items she cannot live without. In a partnership with LeapFrog to launch the new educational game LeapMove, Copeland revealed her favorite products, which range from practical tools for her ballet career to personal comfort foods.
Practical Tools for a Dancer’s Life
Among Copeland’s indispensable items is a strong dental floss. “I’ve been using this for over 20 years,” she stated, explaining how she learned this tip from seasoned ballerinas. Ballet companies often charge a premium for specialized threads used in pointe shoes and slippers. Copeland noted, “You need to spend less money. The floss is so strong; it’s not going to break.” This is crucial, as a dancer’s worst nightmare is having a ribbon fall off mid-performance.
Another surprising tool Copeland uses is a steel compress designed for boxers, which her husband introduced to her. “Instead of doing the whole setup with ice and water, this is really quick if you just want to get the under-eyes,” she said. The compress has become a staple in her routine for reducing puffiness.
Comfort Foods from Childhood
Copeland also shared her love for David sunflower seeds, which have been a part of her life since childhood. “I can’t believe I don’t have an endorsement deal yet because I’ve been eating David sunflower seeds since I was about 7,” she remarked. This snack has become a source of comfort during stressful times. “It’s like a therapy session,” she added, highlighting the emotional connection to her father during their shared moments of enjoying sunflower seeds.
In addition to sunflower seeds, she reminisced about her fondness for instant noodles, which she grew up eating due to financial constraints. “As a ballerina, I traveled a lot through Asia, and I always felt like I love spice,” she explained. While she keeps a stash of noodles for comfort, she is mindful of their sodium content and consumes them sparingly.
A Unique Approach to Dance and Education
The collaboration with LeapFrog is significant for Copeland, who is passionate about education through the arts. “It made perfect sense,” she said about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of movement in learning. During her engagement with children through the LeapMove game, she witnessed how they engaged with educational content seamlessly while moving, illustrating her belief that not every child learns in the same way.
In her personal life, Copeland faces challenges like any parent. She recently encountered difficulty cooking rice, a staple in her household influenced by her Filipino heritage. “My husband was on a mission to find a good rice cooker,” she shared, noting the excitement when their son, Jackson, recognized the sound of the rice cooker signaling that dinner was ready.
Misty Copeland’s candid revelations reflect not just her dedication to ballet but her appreciation for the simple joys and practical tools that enhance both her professional and personal life. As she continues to inspire others through her work and advocacy, her story serves as a reminder of the unique blend of artistry, resilience, and everyday life.
