Go Away With … Misty Copeland

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
March 11, 2014

Ballerina Misty Copeland has the distinction of being one of the few African-American soloists in the world of ballet. In her newly released memoir “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina” (Touchstone Hardcover, $24.99), Copeland chronicles her tumultuous childhood, a late start in dance (she was 13) and joining the American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet as a teenager.

Now 31 and based in New York, Copeland is a recipient of the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts. Fans may follow her on Twitter.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. I love Vieques, Puerto Rico. My boyfriend and I visited last year for about a week. The exclusivity of the Vieques Island is enchanting. From the moment we arrived, I knew it was going to be a very special getaway. The W Hotel Resort and its private beaches made this one of my favorite trips. It was just so lush. And the food! Just incredible on every level.

Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

A. You definitely have to visit Bioluminescent Bay. I had no idea what to expect with the bay, but it was this hidden and magical place. We trekked through mud and dirt roads to get there, but the end of the trek was a very serene bay. The water glowed in our hands. I paddled through it in a row boat. The water is said to heal, so I stuck my leg in the water to help with a surgery I had just had. It was almost a spiritual experience.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. My family drove through the U.S. in our forest green Aerostar van! Haha! I was seven years old, and it was like one big adventure. The one place I clearly remember visiting was Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. It was so cool and felt like a real-life history lesson.

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A. The biggest thing is to not sweat the stuff you can’t control. Things happen all the time when we’re traveling that we have absolutely no control over. I’ve had to sit on the floors of airports in a yoga position for hours in order to keep my mind at peace when I’ve encountered insane traveling problems and delays.

Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?

A. As an artist, I find inspiration everywhere! Beautiful places definitely spark amazing creative moments on stage. When I have danced in Greece and Italy on outdoor stages, those were moments of bliss! Nothing compares to taking in beautiful scenes while performing classical ballet. That’s the ultimate!

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

A. Anywhere in Italy. There is just something about Italy — the architecture, the people, the food — that exudes romance, love and memories.

Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A. This past Christmas I was in Temozon in the Yucatan. It was very authentic old Mexico. I had a chance to unplug and really relax, something I don’t get to do very often, given my schedule. But it’s the kind of place that forces you to leave behind the rushed pace of your life and embrace a much slower, laid-back attitude. It was a wonderful holiday getaway.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. My top five are New York, Tokyo, Chicago, Los Angeles and Trieste. I just got back from Tokyo on tour with American Ballet Theatre and, although I was there performing, I had opportunities to get out and have some fun, too.

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. I know people may be surprised, but Tokyo reminds me of home for some odd reason. Ha. It’s very similar to Manhattan.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A. I’d love to go to Bali.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A. That’s an easy one because I do not leave home without them. I keep on hand a Bliss Oxygen Mask to keep my skin hydrated while traveling, rented iTunes movies to watch on the plane ride, compression socks, pointe shoes, a variety of music and a good book to read. With those things in tow, I’m a happy traveler.

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. Greece and Italy for a couple of months would definitely be my dream trip.

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A. Zero. Haha. If I’m traveling for work, everything is taken care of by my company. I’m rehearsing and performing so I don’t have much time to do anything else. If I’m traveling for vacation, my boyfriend handles everything. I get to relax. I’m very lucky.

Q. What is your worst vacation memory?

A. Arriving at a resort with no gym! Even when I’m on vacation, I have to keep active, either taking a ballet class or, when that’s not available, I use the gym. People don’t realize that if we ballerinas don’t keep up our daily routine of at least warming up our bodies with certain exercises, it can be tough to get back to where we physically were. So for me, a gym or fitness center is essential.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?

A. Any of the hotels under Starwood Hotel family! W Hotel, Westin and St. Regis. I’ve never been disappointed with any of them. Great service, beautiful rooms and property and delicious food. What more could you want?

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. I would suggest Imanta Resort in Punta Mita Mexico, located on Mexico’s Gold Coast. Imanta translates to “magnetic attraction,” and it really does fit the place. Imanta Resort is like another world! You are above the mountains, looking down at so much greenery. It feels as though you’re the only one in the whole place. Breathtaking. You feel so taken care of from the moment you arrive. Whatever you need, guests are treated as if they’re at home.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. My apartment. I don’t have time for weekend getaways. If I’m getting away I’m getting away (to) Mexico.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. I absolutely love Nobu Tokyo, Ed’s Chowder House near Lincoln Center in New York City, Luxembourg Cafe on the upper west side in New York City and Isabella’s also on the upper west side.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?

A. Champagne and dessert. Wait, is that guilty?