Dear Readers,

I hope that you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and our first holiday weekend since Labor Day. I welcome the down time from the hustle and bustle of my daily commute and, most important of all, I look forward to connecting with you.

Nelson George and Misty Copeland Credit Alex Welsh, The New York Times

On Wednesday, October 7th, the New York Times featured an article on Misty Copeland and Nelson George’s upcoming film “A Ballerina’s Tale,” which opens in theaters, and on demand, on Wednesday, October 14th.

This summer Ms. Copeland was promoted to principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, a historic first for an African-American woman. Ironically she and Nelson George began filming “A Ballerina’s Tale” two years before this moment unfolded.

Misty was recovering from an injury she sustained when work began on the project. They met at a dinner party years ago and a chance seating arrangement was the spark that led to their collaboration.

Nelson George is a highly esteemed writer and filmmaker who is known for his work on hip-hop and African-American culture. In the New York Times article he candidly shares that he did not start out with an agenda (for the film). To use his words, “We didn’t know what was going to happen, but I knew she was going to get back onstage,” he said. He added: “I feel she’s the first big ballet pop star since Baryshnikov.”

I’m excited to be a part of this moment in history and I look forward to Monday evening. In the meantime, please enjoy Brooklyn Legends Brunch with the Arts and the trailer from “A Ballerina’s Tale.”

Fondly,
Monique

Credit: The New York Times, Oct. 7, 2015 Gia Kourlas