Principal Ballet Dancer Misty Copeland at the National Press Club

Livestream will begin April 17 at 8:00am EDT.

Misty Copeland, the first African-American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, will discuss her first health and fitness book, Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You, as well as her roles as ballerina and activist in a discussion at the National Press Club on Monday, Apr. 17, at 8 a.m., in the club’s Holeman Lounge.

Copeland recently made headlines when she spoke out against statements made by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank that were supportive of President Donald Trump. Copeland became a sponsored athlete for the company in 2014. She is also appearing at the Kennedy Center to talk about “Ballet Across America.”

Copeland, 34, was considered a prodigy who rose to stardom despite not starting ballet until the age of 13. In addition to her dance career, Copeland has become an author, public speaker and celebrity spokesperson. She ranked among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015 and has written two autobiographical books, including The New York Times bestselling memoir, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. Her latest work, Ballerina Body, was released on March 21st. In the book, Copeland discusses issues she has frequently championed such as the need to promote healthier and more positive body images for girls and women.

A continental breakfast buffet will be available to registered attendees at 7:30 a.m., with remarks beginning at 8 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 9 a.m. This news conference is open to credentialed media and members of the National Press Club free of charge; however, attendees must register in advance online.

To submit a question in advance, put COPELAND in the subject line and email to [email protected] before 7 a.m. on the day of the discussion.