Misty Copeland Continues to Be Awesome

Have you seen Misty Copeland lately? Actually, the better question is: Has anyone not seen Misty Copeland lately? The fantastic American Ballet Theatre soloist has been seemingly everywhere for the past few months, promoting her memoir, Life in Motion. Unsurprisingly, Copeland is as poised offstage as she is on—an eloquent spokesperson for black dancers in ballet.

But people in the ballet world aren’t the only ones taking note of Copeland: She’s found an admirer in none other than President Obama.

In Copeland’s memoir, she frankly describes her struggles with her weight—and how she learned to both embrace her body and figure out out a healthy routine that worked for her. So in a way she’s a natural choice for the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. On Monday, the President announced his intention to appoint her to the Council (along with the likes of Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Nets player Jason Collins).

Copeland’s memoir (via Screenshot)

This is, needless to say, totally awesome news. Who better than an incredibly athletic ballet dancer—someone who’s struggled with eating issues and come out on the other side—to encourage Americans to get healthy? Congrats, Misty!

And speaking of Misty being amazing: Have you seen her, Cedar Lake’s Ebony Williams and Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Ashley Murphy on the June/July cover of Pointe? Check it out!