'A Touch Of Misty’

Inspired by Luis Castañeda's photograph Black Swan. I was immediately struck by the young girl in the image—the quiet strength in her posture as she embodies the role of the Black Swan. Despite her youth, her confidence shines through, and I felt an instant connection to her. Like her, I have often felt like the "black sheep" in rooms, navigating the complexities of being mixed-race, with parents from very different backgrounds and cultures.

Growing up, I frequently felt like the odd one out and spent years trying to conform to what was considered "normal" in different settings. It took time for me to recognize the beauty in my own uniqueness, rather than constantly trying to change.

The title of this piece is an homage to Misty Copeland, the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the 75-year history of American Ballet Theatre—one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States. Misty’s groundbreaking achievement represents a pathway for young girls like the one in the photo, showing them that they too can achieve greatness