From First Steps to Bold New Moves
Ballet has the power to change lives—and The Misty Copeland Foundation (MCF) is proving it, one program at a time.
When Caryn Campbell stepped into her role as Executive Director in 2023, she brought a background steeped in both philanthropy and dance, having led major gifts and individual giving at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She was introduced to the foundation by Philanthropic Leader and Advisor, Jane Polin, who had helped Misty Copeland launch it in 2021. As Caryn recalls, “Misty started the foundation on the heels of COVID and George Floyd. She wanted to figure out how best to continue her legacy, but also how best to give back.” Listen to a recent PBS interview with Caryn and Misty on the origin story of the foundation and their new models for paying it forward to the next generation.
That commitment to giving back first took shape as “BE BOLD,” an after-school ballet program for children ages 5–12. The name itself carries the mission: Ballet Explorations: Ballet Offers Leadership Development. Launched in 2022, “BE BOLD” is a free program designed to close the gap in quality after-school programs and expand access to formal dance education for communities of color. It empowers children in under-resourced neighborhoods to engage their bodies, hearts, and minds through dance—especially ballet—while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the art form and pursuing social justice through arts activism. “When I started, there were just five sites in NYC,” Caryn says. “Now, we’re in 22.”
But the story doesn’t stop there. The success of “BE BOLDER” sparked a bigger question: What if ballet could offer that same sense of joy, confidence, and connection later in life? From that vision emerged the foundation’s newest program, “BE BOLDER”—a powerful next step in the “BE BOLD” mission to make ballet a home for older adults of color.
Partnering to Bring “BE BOLDER” to Life
Bringing “BE BOLDER” from idea to reality has been a collaborative effort, and Lifetime Arts is proud to have been one of many advisors supporting The Misty Copeland Foundation along the way. From the start, we’ve shared insights on what it means to design a ballet program for older adults—one that’s joyful, welcoming, and grounded in creative aging best practices.
Our Executive Director, Heather Ikemire, joined MCF’s advisory council to help shape the program’s vision, while our team rolled up our sleeves to provide training for teaching artists and conduct site visits. These hands-on moments were where the magic happened: working side by side with MCF staff and artists to adapt ballet pedagogy, rethink class structures, and ensure older adults felt supported and celebrated.
As Caryn shared: “Working with Lifetime Arts helped us reframe ballet as a lifelong practice. It’s about creativity, wellness, and joy—and about older adults being seen as active creators.”
In the Studio: Joy for Older Adults, Growth for Teaching Artists
A short 45-second video of the “BE BOLDER” pilot program. Credit: Caroline Riley
The heart of “BE BOLDER“” comes alive in the studio. For many older adults—some stepping into a ballet class for the very first time—the experience has been nothing short of magical. There was surprise (“I never imagined I’d take a ballet class at this age”), laughter, and a lot of joy. One participant even admitted, “This makes me feel like a kid again.”
And the gratitude has been palpable. At one Bronx site, participants were so moved by the experience that they showed up on the final day with flowers for their teaching artists—a small gesture that spoke volumes about the connections being built.
Teaching artists, too, are finding the journey rewarding. Many of them also teach “BE BOLD” for kids, but “BE BOLDER requires a fresh approach.
“With children, it’s about vocabulary and discipline,” Caryn explains. “With older adults, it’s more about wellness, joy, connection, and even maintaining or improving physical function.”
What’s struck everyone involved is the reciprocity in the room. “They’re bringing their experience and sharing it with these older adults,” Caryn says, “but also turning that so these older adults can share [their experiences] with the teaching artists and back to the community.” Add live musicians into the mix, and the atmosphere is electric—full of energy, discovery, and a sense that everyone is learning from one another.
Carrying Misty’s Legacy Forward
“BE BOLDER” represents the next chapter in Misty Copeland’s vision to expand access to the arts. Just as “BE BOLD” invited children into a world where they could see themselves in ballet, “BE BOLDER” challenges assumptions about aging and ability.
“Our hope is that through BE BOLDER, we can create spaces where older adults feel ballet belongs to them,” Caryn says. “That’s how we build on Misty’s story—by ensuring ballet is equitable, welcoming, and joyful at every stage of life.”
About Caryn Campbell
Executive Director of The Misty Copeland Foundation
Caryn Campbell was appointed Executive Director of The Misty Copeland Foundation in January 2023. She joins MCF from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), where she served as Director of Patron Engagement since 2014. In her role with AAADT, she devised new approaches to increase the donor base and advance fundraising through creative campaigns, initiatives, and cross-functional collaborations. Prior to her work with AAADT, she served as Director of Development at the Storefront Academy of Harlem. Campbell began her career working in the film industry holding positions with The De Laurentiis Entertainment Group and Paramount Pictures. She also worked in various production roles with Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, working on Lee’s epic Malcolm X and Girl 6. Campbell holds a BFA from Southern Methodist University.
We’ll Bring Creative Aging To You!
We’re proud to stand alongside The Misty Copeland Foundation in this work—helping to expand programming that recognizes older adults as active creators and lifelong learners. Together, we’re proving it’s never too late to step into the studio, pick up a brush, or try something brand new.
Are you ready to grow your own programming for older adults? Connect with us today—we’d love to help kickstart your journey!
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