Misty Copeland Appears On Late Show With Stephen Colbert

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- She's the first African-American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. She's also part of Baltimore-based Under Armour's Women of Will Campaign. Monday night, Misty Copeland appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

The brightest star in ballet appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert Monday night. At 33 years old, Misty Copeland is quickly becoming a cultural icon.

The first African-American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre performed before a packed audience with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

"I always felt very comfortable and it's felt very organic to speak about race because I understand the importance of bringing more diversity to classical ballet so it's never felt like a burden or anything I was putting on. It was this voice inside me that I needed to get out," Copeland said.

Copeland is embracing her role as a role model to young women of all races.

"Belief in myself, which I think came from having great mentors in my life and people who were there to push me and to guide me," she said.

The prima ballerina recently rang the closing bell on the New York Stock Exchange, marking the 75th anniversary of the American Ballet Theatre.

Copeland recently made her Broadway debut and is soon to be the star of a documentary on her historic promotion to be the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. She recently danced with the Washington Ballet in a special performance of Swan Lake.