Congrats will soon be in order for top Black ballerina Misty Copeland and her finacé Olu Evans. The longtime couple is set to wed this summer, a source to the New York Post.
As previously reported, Copeland confirmed her engagement to Evans in the September issue of Essence last year when Evans, who’s Taye Diggs’ cousin, popped the question. She said, “I can’t believe my life right now.”
Copeland also took time to describe her wedding gown dreams in an interview with Vanity Fair. “I’d like to show my figure, somewhat—romantic and elegant. I don’t think I want to go super poofy or anything like that. It’s very different for a performer, a ballerina, someone who is onstage a lot and wears big costumes. So it’s not like this is my chance to be that way, because that’s something I do every day, almost. I want to feel like myself—but more beautiful than I do every day,” she said.
Of the couple, the source told the New York Post, “He’s a supernice guy. They’re an incredible couple. They’re getting married in July” before sharing that they will likely wed on the West Coast.
The news has many wondering if Copeland and her beau will “jump the broom,” reenacting the historical ritual of marriage African slaves in America used to celebrate their nuptials, as their marriages weren’t yet legally acknowledged. More than a century later, many Black couples continue to jump the broom in celebration and honor of this legacy and their ancestors. While there’s no word yet on Copeland’s plans, such an action would be in line with her celebration of her culture.
“I never knew it was going to get to this level. There are a lot of times when I wish it wasn’t so much. But I wanted this type of exposure for the dance community. I wanted it to be an opportunity for me to educate people and get them to become ballet fans and to educate them on what it means to be a black dancer — a black ballet dancer,” she told Essence of her success as a Black ballerina.
What do you think of Copeland jumping the broom?
