INDIANAPOLIS — Misty Copeland, who made history as the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, will be The Indianapolis Public Library’s featured speaker at the 45th Annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture, taking place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. After the lecture, Copeland will take part in a book signing.
Copeland is the author of several New York Times Bestselling books, including the memoir, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. She has also published several children’s books including the award-winning Firebird, illustrated by Christopher Myers, and Bunheads, a biographical glimpse of young Misty as she makes friends and auditions for a role in Coppélia.
Tickets to the lecture are limited but free to the general public and available at indypl.org/mcfadden. As seating is limited, a livestream of the event will be accessible on the library’s YouTube channel.
The Library has gifted tickets to community organizations to ensure local youth have an opportunity to attend. Tickets have been gifted to Brightlane Learning, Iibada Dance Company, Shortridge High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kids Dance Outreach, James Whitcomb Riley School 43, Basement Dance Company, Indianapolis School Ballet, and Meraki Dance Company.