MasterClass Announces Misty Copeland to Teach Ballet Technique and Artistry

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterClass, the platform that makes it possible for anyone to learn from the best, announced today that decorated prima ballerina Misty Copeland will teach ballet. Credited with both broadening the audience for classical ballet and invigorating the art form with a renewed energy, Copeland's MasterClass will offer an intimate look at how she's navigated challenges throughout her life and career to defy boundaries and become American Ballet Theatre's first African American female principal dancer. Now available exclusively at MasterClass.com, students can subscribe for unlimited access to all new and existing classes of 70+ instructors through the All-Access Pass. MasterClass categories include leadership, cooking, photography, writing, performance, and much more.

"Misty has single handedly transformed ballet," said David Rogier, co-founder and CEO of MasterClass. "In her MasterClass, she not only teaches her balance of craft and artistry, but she also brings us into her world, sharing the stories that have made her the athlete and artist she is today."

In 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history. She has been an advocate for diversity and, in 2014, President Barack Obama appointed her to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. She was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people, and later interviewed by President Obama for TIME and Essence magazines to discuss race, gender, achievement and creating opportunity for young people. She is an advocate and volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club of America, where she first learned ballet, as well as an ambassador for MindLeaps, a dance-centered nonprofit providing vocational training to at-risk youth in post-conflict and developing countries. She was recently featured as the lead ballerina in Disney's "The Nutcracker and The Four Realms."

"As a mentor, it's important to me to set a positive example for athletes and artists and show that with the right work ethic, dreams are possible," said Copeland. "I hope students walk away from my MasterClass with a simple way of approaching ballet technique. But, more importantly, what it takes to be confident, to accept who you are and embrace who you want to be in the future."

Dancers and performers of all kinds will learn more deeply how they can embody characters, tell stories through movement, and own a stage with a dynamic presence. Copeland's MasterClass offers an intimate look at ballet artistry and technique, and diversity and inclusion in the world of classical ballet and her journey to becoming a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. In her class, Copeland will reveal the technical transformation she's worked on for the past year, how to work with different choreographers, the value of seeking guidance from mentors and how working with Prince resulted in a life-changing moment for her as an artist. Through detailed technical instruction and a 120-degree view, members will watch Misty perform a real-time solo variation from Swan Lake, as well as a partner variation with American Ballet Theatre soloist Calvin Royal III as they dance the White Swan Pas de Deux together for the first time. Misty will also break down a series of stationary and movement exercises at the barre, including plié and tendu, temps lié and, in a more advanced demo, rond de jambe. Misty will also share her hopes for preserving a legacy that empowers inclusion in ballet and encourages members to be a part of the conversation around diversity to help change the perception of what a ballet dancer should be.

Copeland's MasterClass joins the 70+ classes taught by world-renowned instructors on cooking, photography, writing, performance, and much more. Each MasterClass has digestible video lessons sized to fit into any part of your day and cinematic visuals with close-up, hands-on demonstrations that make you feel one-on-one with the instructor. The All-Access Pass gives you access to every MasterClass and new ones as they launch. Learn on the go with mobile apps or in the comfort of your home with Apple TV. Subscribe to greatness at MASTERCLASS.COM.

Montgomery, Alabama unveils Rosa Parks statue

A new statue of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks was unveiled in downtown Montgomery on December 1, 2019.

“This depiction will inspire future generations to make the pilgrimage to our city, to push toward the path of righteousness, strength, courage and equality,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, who took office as the first African-American mayor of the city last month.

Gov. Kay Ivey and Reed took part in pulling down a shroud to unveil the statue at Montgomery Plaza at the Court Street Fountain, 30 feet from the spot where Parks is believed to have boarded the segregated bus where she refused to give up her seat to a white man on Dec. 1, 1955.

“We are here to be reminded of the struggle so future generations can do better, and be better,” Ivey said. “No one has ever stood so tall as did Rosa Parks when she sat down.”

Dec. 1 is now Rosa Parks Day, commemorating her arrest, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The statue of Parks depicts her standing, with her hands clutching her purse in front of her.

Granite markers at the site will honor four women who were plaintiffs in Browder vs. Gayle, the court case that led to a ruling that segregation on Montgomery’s public buses was unconstitutional.

The civil rights memorials are a partnership between the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County, the Alabama Department of Tourism and the Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts.

Montgomery County artist Clydetta Fulmer was commissioned to complete the work in conjunction with city and state bicentennial commemorations.

[SOURCE: AL.Com]

Missing Black Woman Alert: Jarae Frink-Shepard is missing!

CHICAGO-Jarae Frink-Shepard, 22, has been missing from the South Side since Friday.

Police said she was last seen near 46th and Drexel, and was wearing a red jacket, red shirt, and tan pants.

She is a 5-foot-4, 145-pound African American woman, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call Area Central Special Victims Unit detectives at 312-747-8380.

Cory Booker appeals for donations to keep 2020 campaign afloat

Struggling to keep his presidential campaign afloat, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker appeared on "Face the Nation." and appealed for donations to ensure he can qualify for the next debate and continue his months-long pursuit of a spot in the top tier of the Democratic primary field.

Rep. Marcia Fudge not happy with Kamala Harris campaign manager

A recent NY Times article has painted a picture of the Kamala Harris presidential campaign as failing and lacking direction or leadership.

Several staffers have left the campaign and one of those staffers Kelly Mehlenbecher, the campaign’s state operations director, wrote a blistering resignation letter that paints a picture of low morale among staffers of a directionless campaign with "no real plan to win" ahead of the crucial Iowa caucus in 2020.

In the letter Mehlenbecher lays much of the blame at the feet of campaign manager Juan Rodriguez.

Others including an early supporter, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) have also chimed in the leadership of Rodriguez.

"I have told her there needs to be a change," Fudge told the Times. "The weakness is at the top. And it's clearly Juan. He needs to take responsibility — that's where the buck stops."