IFC Films has officially announced the Blu-ray release of A Ballerina's Tale, the inspirational true story of dancer Misty Copeland -- the first African-American woman to be named principal dancer of the legendary American Ballet Theatre -- and her unlikely rise to stardom in ballet. The film arrives on Blu-ray on February 2nd.
Synopsis: She is one of the most striking and talented performers in modern ballet history, but she had to overcome more than most dancers on her journey to the pinnacle of her field. Iconic ballerina Misty Copeland made history. A Ballerina's Tale tells the incredible, behind-the-scenes story of how she overcame outmoded ballet culture stereotypes and near career-ending injuries to become one of the most revered dancers of her generation. More than just a ballet success story, A Ballerina's Tale is a hugely inspirational and universal tale of perseverance.
Misty Copeland is unique among ballet stars: She didn't start ballet dancing until age 13, yet quickly became a prodigy, and a mere five years after first lacing up toe shoes she joined American Ballet Theater. At age 15 she was at the center of a custody battle between her mother and the ballet teachers who were serving as her custodial guardians. Through it all, she matured into one of the most sought-after ballerinas in the U.S. Copeland was promoted to principal dancer (the highest possible rank within a professional dance company) at ABT in June 2015, making her the very first female African-American principal in the company's 75-year history.
In addition to her dance career, Copeland has become a public persona and media star as a speaker, spokeswoman, Broadway performer in On the Town, featured dancer for musician Prince and reality TV star on So You Think You Can Dance. She has also written two autobiographical books, and serves as narrator of A Ballerina's Tale.
In April 2015, Copeland (who has a massive social media and YouTube presence) was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time, which featured her on its cover. She also appeared on the cover of the September 2015 issue of Essence.
All of this and more aspects of Misty Copeland's remarkable life and career - including overcoming a devastating injury - are recounted and explored in A Ballerina's Tale, which Amy Brady of The Village Voice called "a moving portrait of Copeland that underscores her triumphs over bodily and historical limitations." Clay Cane of BET.com praised it as "a nuanced, polished presentation of one of the hardest working women in her field - or any field - and if you need a little inspiration in your life, this is the film to watch."
IFC Films has yet to detail tech specs or special features.