Misty Copeland speaks about being named Principal Dancer

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston city council member hoped to inspire young African American girls by recognizing one of the nation's top ballerinas.

Misty Copeland is the first African American woman to hold the title of Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theater. That's the highest rank within the company. She sat down with our Melanie Lawson at an event at the Kingdom Buildings Center in South Houston, also appearing with Copeland, former Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Lauren Anderson.

Back in 1990, Anderson was the first African American principal dancer for any major dance company.

"I will never forget the day I met her for the first time - she just came over and hugged me - it's like seeing an extension of yourself," Copeland said.

The event was sponsored by Houston City Council member Dwight Boykins.