Life in Motion

An Unlikely Ballerina

By: Misty Copeland

Narrated by: Lisa Reneé Pitts

"Picture a ballerina in a tutu and toe shoes. What does she look like?"

As the only African-American soloist dancing with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has made history. But when she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, anxious 13-year-old to become a ground­breaking ballerina.

When she discovered ballet, Misty was living in a shabby motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: A feat unheard of for any classical dancer. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life (culminating in a highly publicized custody battle), she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.

With an insider's unique point of view, Misty opens a window into the life of a professional ballerina who lives life center stage: From behind the scenes at her first auditions to her triumphant roles in some of the most iconic ballets. But in this beautifully written memoir, she also delves deeper to reveal the desire and drive that made her dreams reality.

Life in Motion is a story of passion and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.

©2014 Misty Copeland (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An unexpected page-turner. . . . Her story is an inspiration to anyone-man or woman, black or white-who has ever chased a dream against the odds, and the grace with which she triumphs is an example for us all." ( Booklist, Starred Review)

Neat story, what a strong woman

Great story and one that I hope she continues to add too.
One criticism about the audio book: I felt like the reader was speaking to a young child (pauses, intense annunciation, etc.).
Overall, I recommend this and applaud Misty for persevering.

Must read

Loved it! The story is relatable and easy to understand. She is a true inspiration with determination to reach her goals and watch them come true.

The narrator ruined it.

This book was so great. I enjoyed learning about Misty and her interesting life of ballet. The book was compelling, but the narrator sounded like an overenunciated robot. She obviously had no knowledge of French or ballet terms. There was a lack of acting from this narrator....she was just reading. I pushed through though because of my respect and facsination with Misty.

Inspiring Tale

This was an uplifting read, almost a modern fairy tale. Kudos to Misty for her hard work and determination, as well as her larger purpose to open up opportunities for children like herself. It’s also heartening to see how many individuals stood in the gap, despite common prejudices, to facilitate her dreams.

Story is powerful, but not powerfully done

unfortunately the worst part of this was the narration. It was very distracting with words being mispronounced and the static staccato type of speaking really took away from the work itself. I finished it because I think Misty Copeland's story is so powerful that it was important to me to hear it out. it jumped around in places and was hard to follow at times but the overall story itself I feel needs to be heard. I just wish it had been given the care of a good editor and narrator to do it justice.

Inspiration in a story

“You can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed.” -Misty Copeland This story will give you the inspiration to go after that burning desire no matter how difficult it may appear.

Awesome Memoir Marred By Awful Narration!

I was excited to buy and listen to this memoir because I have followed Misty's career and wanted to learn more.
There is plenty to learn about this beautiful, talented, and determined dancer and the many twists and turns her life takes on the road to mega success.
Listening to this book made me marvel at the trajectory of Misty's dancing successes because of all the obstacles that could have derailed her dreams.
Her family, dance schools, teachers and even other dancers, interfere or support her or both. It is a miracle she even made it to the top as a prima ballerina.
Misty's success is earned through hard work, commitment and unflinching focus. It is well deserved.
The only blemish is what other listeners have shared... the narration is atrocious! Be forewarned! A hard NO to the narration. Maybe Misty will re-record it in her own voice in the future.
Otherwise, a great book to buy a copy and read.

Inspiration

Truly an inspirational life. Unimpressed with the reading though. I thought her cadence was odd .

Enjoyable & INSPIRING!

I am a newer fan of Ms. Copeland, and just recently realized she had published a bio. As a child I loved ballet. I'm a HUGE Debbie Allen fan, growing up on weekly doses of the TV show Fame. I wasn't allowed to take ballet with my classmates due to the NY ballet trained teacher telling my strong willed mother that 'black girls weren't made for classical ballet' back in 1974. I would love to believe that if given the opportunity, I would have been as determined. I learned classical piano instead. I loved Misty's relatable honesty & fearless raw-ness. A cautious desire to please, a deep strength yet vulnerability with her laser beam discipline - all of it is beautiful & INSPIRING, especially to a 46 old dreamer. Another BRAVO!

Five Stars

Misty Copeland is open, honest, genuine and inspiring. I highly recommend this book, after listening to it I am now going to listen to it with my 9 year old ballerina in training. This will motivate her to do her personal best and live her best life. This is a book that can be mildly uncomfortable for a white person to listen to but it could not be more honest. There is beauty, talent, class, Grace , poise and elegance in every background and ballet needs to be reflective of that. Thank you Misty!
I love listening to books narrated by Renee.