Tavis Smiley Season 8 Episode 175 Misty Copeland, Charles "Lil Buck" Riley

In season 8, episode 175 of Tavis Smiley, Misty Copeland and Charles "Lil Buck" Riley join Tavis for an inspiring discussion about their rise to fame in the world of dance. Misty Copeland, a principal ballerina with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, shares her journey from being a late bloomer in dance to becoming the first African-American woman to hold the title of principal dancer at ABT. Copeland also discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazer in her industry, including racism and body shaming.

Meanwhile, Charles "Lil Buck" Riley has become known as one of the most innovative dancers of his generation, blending classic ballet moves with hip hop and street dance styles. He shares how he got his start as a young dancer in Memphis, Tennessee and eventually broke into the mainstream with his viral Memphis Jookin videos. Buck also discusses how he has used his platform to advocate for arts education and mentor young dancers from underprivileged backgrounds.

Together, Copeland and Buck discuss their shared passion for using dance as a tool for social change, as well as the intersections of race, gender, and class in the world of ballet and contemporary dance. They also discuss their experiences working with legendary choreographers and collaborating with other artists, including rapper Kendrick Lamar and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Throughout the episode, Tavis engages Copeland and Buck in thoughtful and thought-provoking dialogue, delving deep into the creative process and the challenges of being an artist in today's world. He also highlights the importance of representation in the arts, especially for marginalized communities, and discusses how both Copeland and Buck are working to change the landscape of dance for future generations.

Filled with stunning performances, insightful commentary, and inspiring stories of perseverance, season 8, episode 175 of Tavis Smiley is a must-see for any fan of dance and the arts.