Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina

Life in Motion portrays the power of mentorship as crucial not only in Misty’s career but also for any young person trying to succeed. In her memoir, Misty often downplays her innate talent to focus instead on the impact and value of mentorship in her life. Misty articulates her reliance on the power of mentorship throughout the memoir. In Chapter 13, for instance, as she describes stepping onto the stage to perform as the Firebird for the first time, she thinks about the “people who had nurtured [her], supported [her]” and reflects that their support is “com[ing] together for this climactic moment” (247). Similarly, she states in Chapter 11 that alongside the mentorship of ABT artistic director Kevin McKenzie, she received “guidance and support” from many other artists, such as Isabel Brown and the Black ballet dancer Raven Wilkinson. Misty never fails to give these many supporters the credit they are due.

This is especially true with Cindy, Misty’s first ballet teacher and probably her most influential mentor. Early chapters detail the many ways Cindy supports Misty professionally, financially, and emotionally. She is the first person to make Misty feel like “the most beautiful and loved little ballerina in the world” and is immediately convinced that Misty will have a ballet career that few can dream of (36).