Copeland spoke with The Associated Press about her new focus, fighting for more inclusive emojis, and staying in shape. She wants to push the boundaries and it didn’t matter what question I asked her, she was going to push me (laughs) in every way. That to me is like the grand scheme theme is that art saves lives, and dance and ballet can be inclusive. AP: Why did you start a petition to create new emojis related to dance that are more inclusive? All of these things that I think are such an incredible evolution of where I’ve come from as an artist and as a Black artist.

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Persons: Misty Copeland, Copeland, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Twlya Tharp, Tharp, COPELAND, Twyla, I’ve, we’ve, she’s, Misty, Quinn, it’s, Tik, I’m, ABT, Derek Jeter, Wayne Gretzky Organizations: American Ballet Theatre, PBS, Associated Press, Twitter, Misty Copeland Foundation, Lincoln Center Locations: It’s