Misty Copeland revealed that she welcomed her first child with husband Olu Evans.
The 39-year-old ballerina told People that she has a three-month-old son named Jackson and plans to return to dancing next year.
“I’m on maternity leave right now. I have a 3-month-old. But I will be back on the stage in 2023, hopefully, in the fall,” she said.
Copeland also shared that she will be taking her baby boy traveling with her.
“We just got Jackson’s passport a couple days ago,” she said. “So we’re on our way to Corsica this summer in France.”
Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Copeland explained the reasoning behind why she hid her pregnancy from the public.
“My personal life I’ve really kept pretty private my whole career,” Copeland explained.
Misty Copeland Secretly Welcomed First Baby 3 Months Ago, Hopes to Return to Ballet in 2023 https://t.co/GQy027cZ3s
— People (@people) July 21, 2022
She also plans to raise him out of the public eye.
“Definitely with my son, I wouldn’t have him probably be on camera for anything. But when it comes to my career and what I’m doing, I’m really open,” she said.
Copeland expressed gratitude toward her husband as she is now balancing motherhood and her career. On top of being The American Ballet Theater’s Principal dancer, she is also the co-founder and designer for an active clothing line called “Greatness Wins.”
“It’s never easy, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without having a support system. My husband is incredible and he’s an amazing dad. He’s been there for me throughout my entire career to help me to be able to balance those things,” she said. “But you have to make sacrifices. I’m not at big events every night and out partying and going to dinners. I have to make sacrifices to be able to do all the things that I want to do,” the dancer shared.