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Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Sarah L. Kaufman described Misty Copeland’s onstage presence as “magnetic,” noting her remarkable combination of physical grace and emotional energy.
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Copeland possessed the quintessential ballerina physique — long legs, arched feet, and an elegant neck — attributes that made her movements appear effortlessly refined.
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Beyond her technical ability, Copeland’s expressiveness and warmth set her apart, allowing audiences to feel her passion and humanity through every performance.
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Kaufman observed that while ballet has grown increasingly focused on technical precision, Copeland’s natural emotionality revived a sense of personal artistry that many dancers now lack.
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Despite being petite in stature, Copeland commanded the stage with extraordinary power and expansiveness, transforming her physical presence into something monumental.
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Kaufman emphasized that even before Copeland’s promotion to principal dancer, she already had a rare ability to captivate audiences — “the kind of dancer you could not take your eyes off.”
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