Misty Copeland is the rare ballerina who's recognizable well beyond the world of ballet. In 2015, she became the first Black woman to reach the title of principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Throughout her career, Misty has spoken out about being one of the few Black dancers on the professional stage, and why early and equal access to the arts is so important. Through her foundation, she’s trying to connect more young people to ballet through after-school programs.

Niala Boodhoo spoke to Misty this week about forging new paths in an old art form, and why that matters for equity and inclusion beyond the stage.

WATCH: Misty Copeland dancing at the 2015 Vail International Dance Festival.

Guest: Misty Copeland, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, and founder of the The Misty Copeland Foundation. Author of several books, most recently "The Wind at My Back.”

Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.