Misty Copeland First Black Principal Dancer for ‘American Ballet Theater’ Group

At 32-years-old, ballerina Misty Copeland became a historical figure in the world of dance. On Tuesday, the American Ballet Theater named Copeland as the principal dancer in Swan Lake and with this decision; she becomes the first black ballerina to hold this prestigious role. In past interviews, Copeland spoke about her desire to take on such a role.

In her 2014 memoir, she wrote that she feared that if she didn't accomplish this feat, it would be decades before another black woman reached the same position she is in now.  "My fears are that it could be another two decades before another black woman is in the position that I hold with an elite ballet company," she wrote in her 2014 book. "That if I don't rise to principal, people will feel I have failed them."

After the announcement, Copeland spoke about the doubts she had before achieving the position.

"I had moments of doubting myself, and wanting to quit, because I didn't know that there would be a future for an African-American woman to make it to this level," Ms. Copeland said at the Metropolitan Opera house. "At the same time, it made me so hungry to push through, to carry the next generation. So it's not me up here - and I'm constantly saying that - it's everyone that came before me that got me to this position."

This is a huge deal for Copeland both historically and monetarily. To be a principal dancer is important in the dance world. That means more money, bigger roles and having their photos on programs.

Jennifer Homans, author of the historical ballet book "Appolo's Angels", called Copeland a phenomenon.

"What she has come to represent is so important in the dance world, and in the ballet world in particular," Homans, said. "I think it's about time. But I don't think it's enough."