Misty Copeland's Most Delicious Pas De Deux Yet

You know you’ve made it when you get THE call. No, not the call from the “So You Think You Can Dance” producers offering you a spot as a guest judge, or when Oxygen gives the green light on a reality show about your life. And it’s not even the call from the President of the United States asking you to serve on his Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. The “you’ve made it in life” call I’m talking about, ladies and gents, is from the Street—”Sesame Street.”

You guessed it: American Ballet Theatre soloist (and all around goddess) Misty Copeland got that call. And did she ever answer it.

I Will (Eat) What I Want  (original photo courtesy of Under Armour; Photoshopping by yours truly)

As you’re undoubtedly aware, Copeland isn’t the first dancer to work with muppets from the PBS mainstay. Ballet legend Suzanne Farrell appeared a few times on “Sesame Street” in the early years, as did tap icons Gregory Hines and Savion Glover—who became a “Street” regular. In more recent years, Paula Abdul, dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and ballet sisters Lorna and Lorena Feijóo have performed on the show, and in one “People in Your Neighborhood” segment, muppets Murray Monster and Ovejita visited New York City Ballet.

But Copeland’s performance with Cookie Monster that debuted earlier this week—a promotion for Cookie’s forthcoming special, “The Cookie Thief”—is a little different. She doesn’t strap on pointe shoes, step into a tutu or demonstrate what ballet looks like. Instead, Copeland showcases her signature warmth and sparkle from the waist-up, following Cookie’s choreographic lead like a true celeb. Check it out!